I've been meaning to post this for a few days now. Before I start, I apologize for the lack of pictures from my end. Maybe the next time I make it the pictures will come out better; the three or four I took of the pie were blurry almost beyond reason -- I really, really, really need to get a new camera. So, you get the photo from the recipe! This pie is very fall and I love the fall!!
2 pkg. (3.4 oz.) Jell-O Pumpkin Spice Instant Pudding
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
2 c. cold milk
1 graham cracker crust
1 tub (8 oz.) Cool Whip
1/2 c. whole pecans (optional)
1 Tbsp. honey (optional)
Beat Jell-O pudding mixes, milk, and cinnamon with a wire whisk until completely smooth (about 2 minutes).
Spoon 1 1/2 cup pudding into the pie shell and set aside.
Add 1 1/2 cup Cool Whip to the pudding mixture and mix, carefully, until blended (don't over mix, Cool Whip tends to flatten when it's over mixed). Carefully spread mixture on top of the pudding in the pie shell.
Top with remaining cool whip. Refrigerate for at least 60 minutes before serving.
If you decided to include pecans, cook nuts and honey in skillet on medium-low heat 2 to 4 min. or until nuts are caramelized, stirring frequently. Spread onto sheet of waxed paper, separating larger clusters. Cool. Sprinkle over pie just before serving.
I found this recipe ridiculously easy, mine came out looking almost exactly like the picture!! I didn't make the pecans, because I don't like them, so it was a one bowl wonder! The prep time was about 10 minutes, and only that long because it requires a bit of measuring and care when spreading on the layers. It keeps in the fridge for days, which surprised me because pudding tends to turn watery in the fridge. I liked it so much, I got the materials to make it again... twice!! It doesn't actually have any pumpkin in it, and has a very harvest spice type flavor, so those not thrilled with, or allergic to, pumpkin will like it! Matt even liked it and though pumpkin is starting to grow on him it's still not his favorite thing at all. I'd say this pie was a hit, all around!
I also got the stuff to make a chocolate version of this pie. The beauty behind this pie is, with a few minor substitutions (ie. a bit of cocoa for the cinnamon, different flavors of Jell-O pudding), it can be made in a lot of different flavors. I think I'm going to try to make it Lemon at some point and rather than adding cinnamon, I'll add lemon zest! There's an unbelievable combination of flavors that would work with this pie! So, I'll let you know how the chocolate version comes out and you let me know if you made, and liked, this one!
