Crustless pie a treat for those with gluten intolerance

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The holiday season is a popular time to entertain. Food is often a focal point of holiday season entertaining.

Individuals who navigate food allergies or intolerances may shy away from certain celebrations out of fear that a nibble of this or a bite of that may trigger an allergic response. In such instances, concern about ingredients can cast a pall over normally festive occasions.

Those with Celiac disease or gluten intolerances must be mindful of the foods they consume. Meals or desserts containing gluten, a protein found in grains like wheat, semolina, rye, barley, graham, spelt, farina and more, can trigger intestinal distress and other symptoms. With delicious pies, cakes and cookies on the holiday serving table, gluten is likely to make an appearance. However, with careful planning, people who cannot stomach foods that contain gluten can still indulge in their favorite holiday flavors.

“Crustless Libby’s Famous Pumpkin Pie” is a variation on traditional pumpkin pie served at Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings. Without the crust, individuals who avoid gluten can still dive into that pumpkin-and-spice combination that’s so popular around the holiday season. Enjoy this recipe, courtesy of Libby’s Pumpkin.

Crustless Libby’s Famous Pumpkin Pie

Makes 8 servings

• 3⁄4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1⁄4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 2 large eggs
• 1 can (15 ounces) Libby’s 100% Pure Pumpkin
• 1 can (12 fluid ounces) Nestlé Carnation Evaporated Milk
• Nonstick cooking spray
• Whipped cream (optional)

1. Preheat oven as directed below. Glass baking dishes without crust require a cooler oven, and in most cases, a longer baking time.

2. Spray baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or lightly grease bottom of baking pan or baking dish.

3. Mix sugar, cinnamon, salt, ginger and cloves in a small bowl. Beat eggs in a large bowl. Stir in pumpkin and sugar-spice mixture. Gradually stir in evaporated milk.

4. Bake as directed below or until a knife inserted near center comes out clean.

5. Cool on wire rack for two hours. Serve immediately or refrigerate.

Cooking times

√ 9-inch-round glass pie dish: 325 F; bake for 55 to 60 minutes

√ 10-inch-round glass pie dish: 325 F; bake for 45 to 50 minutes

√ 8-inch-round cake pan: 350 F; bake for 45 to 50 minutes

√ 9-inch-round cake pan: 350 F; bake for 35 to 40 minutes

√ 8-inch-square baking pan: 350 F; bake for 45 to 50 minutes

√ 8-inch-square glass baking dish: 325 F; 50 to 60 minutes

√ 9-inch-square baking dish: 350 F; bake for 35 to 40 minutes

√ 11-by-7-inch glass baking dish: 325 F; bake for 45 to 50 minutes

√ 13-by-9-inch baking pan: 350 F; bake for 35 to 40 minutes

√ 13-by-9-inch glass baking dish: 325 F; bake for 40 to 45 minutes