Topic/Question: A. Can I substitute for the spices in Libby's Famous Pumpkin Pie?

Answer: 1¾ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice may be substituted for the cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. However, the taste will be slightly different.

Topic/Question: B. Can I substitute the eggs in Libby's Famous Pumpkin Pie or Libby's Easy Pumpkin Mix?

Answer:

- EGG SUBSTITUTE: Produces an acceptable pie, however, the flavor of the spices is not as strong.

- EGG WHITES: NOT recommended. Finished pie texture may be too soft.

Topic/Question: C. Can I substitute the sugar in Libby's Famous Pumpkin Pie?

Answer: 100% Pure Pumpkin Pie only:

- SWEET N LOW BRAND SWEETENER: NOT recommended. Pie has a very bitter taste.

- EQUAL BRAND SWEETENER: Produces an acceptable pie, however the texture will be lighter and some consumers may notice a bit of an "artificial sweetener aftertaste." For the one 9-inch deep-dish pie shell recipe, omit the sugar from the recipe and use ¾ cup of Equal. Additionally use 3 eggs instead of just 2.

- SPLENDA BRAND SWEETENER: Produces an acceptable pie, however the texture will be lighter and some consumers may notice a bit of an "artificial sweetener aftertaste" For the one 9-inch deep-dish pie shell recipe, still use the 2 eggs and ¾ cup of Splenda.

Topic/Question: D. Can I substitute the Evaporated Milk in Libby's Famous Pumpkin Pie or Libby's Easy Pumpkin Pie Mix?

Answer:

For best results, follow the 15-oz. LIBBY’S® 100% Pure Pumpkin recipe for LIBBY’S Famous Pumpkin Pie

Substitutions:

- Substituting one 12-oz. can (1½ cups) CARNATION® Evaporated Lowfat 2% Milk OR CARNATION Evaporated Fat Free Milk for CARNATION Evaporated Milk produces acceptable results. However, the pie will be slightly darker in color and will have a slightly more pronounced cinnamon, ginger and clove flavor. The texture will be similar to a pie made with regular CARNATION Evaporated Milk.

- Substituting one 14-oz. can of CARNATION Sweetened Condensed Milk for CARNATION Evaporated Milk produces acceptable results; however, the pie texture will be more firm and the taste will be slightly sweeter. Omit the granulated sugar from the recipe.

- CARNATION Nonfat Dry Milk: reconstitute according to package directions. Substitute 1½ cups milk for one 12-oz. can (1½ cups) CARNATION Evaporated Milk. Nestlé Kitchens recommends mixing 1 tablespoon cornstarch with the granulated sugar and spices. Prepare pie as directed. This milk will produce acceptable results, but the pie texture will be softer than a pie made with evaporated milk. However, the cornstarch will aide in firming it up. The pie will also have a slightly more pronounced cinnamon, ginger and clove flavor.

- Whole Milk, 2% Milk, 1% Milk OR Skim Milk (Fat free): Substitute 1½ cups milk for one 12-oz. can (1½ cups) CARNATION Evaporated Milk. Nestlé Kitchens recommends mixing 1 tablespoon cornstarch with the granulated sugar and spices. Prepare pie as directed. These milks will produce acceptable results, but the pie textures will be softer than a pie made with evaporated milk. However, the cornstarch will aide in firming it up. These pies will also have a slightly more pronounced cinnamon, ginger, and clove flavor.

- Soymilk: (brands such as SILK® Soymilk, Plain or Unsweetened) – Substitute 1½ cups milk for one 12-oz. can CARNATION Evaporated Milk. Soymilks produce acceptable results. Soymilk pies will be slightly darker in color, the texture will be just slightly softer and maybe slightly sweeter than a pie made with evaporated milk.

- Lactose-Free Milks-Whole, 2%, Fat Free- (brands such as LACTAID®) Substitute 1½ cups milk for one 12-oz. can (1½ cups) CARNATION Evaporated Milk. Nestlé Kitchens recommends mixing 1 tablespoon cornstarch with the granulated sugar and spices. Prepare pie as directed. These milks produces acceptable results, however, pies will be slightly sweeter with a softer texture.

- NESTLÉ COFFEE-MATE® Liquid Coffee Creamer: Produces an acceptable pie, however color is darker. Add 1 Tbs. cornstarch to sugar.

Topic/Question: E. Can I prepare Pumpkin Pie in advance?

Answer: Pumpkin pie filling and pie crust can be prepared in advance, and frozen separately for up to one month. Defrost the pumpkin filling, then pour it into the frozen crust and bake as usual. If you use a glass pie plate, defrost the crust as well.

Topic/Question: F. How do I know if my pumpkin pie is done baking?

Answer: Perform a Pumpkin Pie Doneness Test — insert a knife about 1 to 1½ inches from the center of the pie. It’s done when the knife comes out clean. Tiny bubbles around the edge of the pie, or filling that separates from the crust signifies overbaking and you should remove the pie from the oven immediately.

Topic/Question: G. What caused my pie to crack on top and why is the filling pulling away from the crust?

Answer: The oven rack may be too close to the top heating element in the oven. This can cause filling to 'skin' and crack as it bakes and to settle slightly when cooling and pull away from the crust. Another possible reason is over-baking. Try reducing cooking time by 5 to 10 minutes. Also, for best results, bake the pie in the lower third of the oven.

Topic/Question: H. How do I store a pumpkin pie once baked?

Answer:

- After baking, pie may be left at room temperature no more than two (2) hours. (Cooling process normally takes 2 hours)

- Pie should be refrigerated after four (4) hours. Cover loosely with plastic wrap until serving. Pie may be refrigerated for 2-3 days.

- Pumpkin pie is a custard-type pie and freezing of this type of pie is not recommended. However, you can make the pumpkin filling and pie shell ahead and freeze each separately up to 1 month. Defrost both before filling shell with pumpkin filling. Stir filling to be sure all ingredients are well mixed.

Topic/Question: I. What is the difference between LIBBY'S Pumpkin Pie Mix and LIBBY'S 100% Pure Pumpkin?

Answer: LIBBY’S 100% Pure Pumpkin is just that – pure pumpkin with nothing added – no salt, no sugar, no artificial flavorings, colorings or preservatives. It’s ready-to-use for all cooking and baking uses. LIBBY’S Easy Pumpkin Pie Mix contains pure pumpkin and a blend of traditional spices and sugar. Just add eggs and evaporated milk to the Easy Pumpkin Pie Mix, pour into an unbaked pie shell and bake for a delicious and easy dessert.

Topic/Question: J. How much pumpkin is in each size can of Libby's Pumpkin?

Answer: A 15-ounce can of LIBBY’S 100% Pure Pumpkin contains 1 3/4 cups of pumpkin. A 29-ounce can of LIBBY’S 100% Pure Pumpkin contains 3 1/2 cups of pumpkin.