Pumpkin Pasties (Harry Potter)
Pumpkin Pasties Recipe from Harry Potter - United Kingdom
Introduction
Pumpkin pasties are a delicious and popular treat in the wizarding world, made famous by the Harry Potter series. These hand-held pies are filled with a sweet and spiced pumpkin filling, perfect for enjoying on a cozy fall day or as a magical snack any time of year.
History
Pumpkin pasties have been a staple in British cuisine for centuries, with variations of the recipe appearing in cookbooks dating back to the 17th century. The popularity of pumpkin pasties skyrocketed after they were featured in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series, where they were a favorite treat of the characters at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Ingredients
How to prepare
- In a mixing bowl, combine eggs and sugar. Mix until well blended.
- Stir in the pumpkin, butter, salt, and spices.
- Add evaporated milk and mix well.
- Butter or spray a large casserole dish and pour in the filling.
- Bake at 425°F (218°C) for 15 minutes.
- Reduce the temperature to 350°F (177°C) and continue baking for 45 minutes, or until a fork comes out clean.
- Allow the filling to cool completely.
- Prepare or purchase pie crust pastry.
- Roll the pastry thin and cut it into 4-inch diameter circles.
- Place a spoonful of the pumpkin mixture towards one side of the center of each circle.
- Fold the crust over into a half-circle and firmly crimp the edges closed.
- Using a paring knife, make three small slits in the top of each pie for venting.
- Grease a cookie sheet and place the pies on it.
- Bake at 400°F (204°C) until the crust is a light golden brown, approximately 10 minutes.
- Brush each pie with butter and dust with cinnamon.
Variations
- Add a handful of chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the pumpkin filling for added crunch.
- For a savory twist, add a sprinkle of grated cheese to the pumpkin filling before baking.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to allow the pumpkin filling to cool completely before assembling the pasties to prevent the pastry from becoming soggy.
- For a flakier crust, chill the pie crust pastry in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out.
- To prevent the edges of the pasties from burning, you can cover them with foil halfway through the baking process.
Serving Suggestions
Pumpkin pasties are best enjoyed warm, either on their own or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Cooking Techniques
Be sure to preheat your oven before baking the pasties to ensure even cooking.
- To prevent the bottoms of the pasties from becoming soggy, you can place them on a wire rack while they cool.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have fresh pumpkin, you can use canned pumpkin puree instead.
- You can substitute the spices in the recipe with pumpkin pie spice for a quicker and easier alternative.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the pumpkin filling and pie crust pastry ahead of time and assemble the pasties just before baking for a convenient make-ahead option.
Presentation Ideas
Serve the pumpkin pasties on a decorative platter with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an elegant presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Pumpkin pasties pair well with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a cozy and comforting treat.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover pumpkin pasties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of pumpkin pasties contains approximately 250 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of pumpkin pasties contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of pumpkin pasties contains approximately 12 grams of fats.
Proteins
Each serving of pumpkin pasties contains approximately 3 grams of proteins.
Vitamins and minerals
Pumpkin pasties are a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron.
Alergens
Pumpkin pasties contain eggs, dairy, and wheat.
Summary
Pumpkin pasties are a delicious treat that is relatively high in carbohydrates and fats, making them a satisfying indulgence. They also provide a good amount of essential vitamins and minerals.
Summary
Pumpkin pasties are a delightful and magical treat that is sure to please both wizards and muggles alike. With a sweet and spiced pumpkin filling encased in a flaky pastry crust, these hand-held pies are perfect for enjoying as a snack or dessert. Whether you're a fan of Harry Potter or simply love pumpkin, these pasties are a must-try recipe for any food lover.
How did I get this recipe?
I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for Pumpkin Pasties. It was many years ago, back when I was a young girl living in a small village in the countryside. I had always loved to cook, and I would spend hours in the kitchen experimenting with new recipes and flavors.
One day, while rummaging through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my grandmother, I came across a recipe for Pumpkin Pasties. The description of these delicious treats immediately caught my eye, and I knew I had to try making them.
I gathered all the ingredients I needed and set to work in the kitchen. The smell of cinnamon and nutmeg filled the air as I mixed the pumpkin puree, sugar, and spices together to create the filling for the pasties. The dough came together beautifully, and I carefully rolled it out and cut it into circles to encase the pumpkin filling.
As the pasties baked in the oven, my mouth watered in anticipation of tasting the final product. When they emerged golden brown and fragrant, I knew I had stumbled upon something truly special. The combination of the sweet pumpkin filling and the flaky pastry crust was simply divine.
I shared the Pumpkin Pasties with my family and friends, and they were an instant hit. Everyone raved about how delicious they were, and soon I found myself making batch after batch to satisfy the demand.
Over the years, I have continued to make Pumpkin Pasties, refining the recipe and adding my own personal touches to make them truly unique. I have shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, passing on the joy that I first felt when I discovered it.
One day, while visiting a friend in the city, I happened upon a quaint little bakery that was selling Pumpkin Pasties. Intrigued, I decided to try one to see how it compared to my own homemade version. To my delight, the pasty was just as delicious as mine, if not better.
I struck up a conversation with the baker, a kindly old woman with a twinkle in her eye. She told me that she had learned the recipe for Pumpkin Pasties from her own grandmother, who had in turn learned it from a mysterious traveler who had passed through their village many years ago.
Intrigued by this connection, I asked the baker if she would be willing to share her recipe with me. She smiled and nodded, and we spent the afternoon baking together, exchanging stories and tips as we worked.
As I left the bakery that day, clutching a handwritten copy of the recipe for Pumpkin Pasties, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the serendipitous encounter. I had learned so much from the baker, not just about cooking, but about the importance of sharing recipes and stories with others.
Now, whenever I make Pumpkin Pasties, I think of that kind old baker and the generations of women who have passed down this recipe through the years. I am proud to be a part of that tradition, and I hope to continue sharing the joy of these delicious treats with others for many years to come.