Healthy pumpkin pie recipe for kids

It sounds contradictory, but not all sweets have to be bad for you. Often, what makes sweets unhealthy is that we eat too much of them. So, when thinking about ways to keep your children healthy through the holidays, consider healthy alternatives to traditional treats, and remember to emphasize portion control at every meal, party and snack-time.

One healthy treat that's always a big hit during the holidays is pumpkin pie. Pumpkin is a great source of vitamin A, which helps with vision and contains antioxidants. It's also a great source of fiber, potassium and iron – even canned pumpkin.

Enjoy making this healthy pumpkin pie recipe with your children:

Healthy pumpkin pie crust recipe

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup of a healthy butter-flavored shortening substitute
• 1 cup flour
• 3 tablespoons ice water

Directions:

1. Put flour and shortening into a small bowl. With two knives (or a pastry blender), cut shortening into flour until thoroughly mixed. This is the time to work on the crust, not after adding water.
2. Add water and use a fork to toss quickly. Handle as little as possible. It can be a little crumbly when you put it onto plastic wrap. Form a ball as you wrap it tightly and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
3. When ready to roll the crust, sprinkle a little flour on a large piece of plastic wrap. Put dough on the floured wrap.
4. Turn once to get flour on both sides. Cover with a second piece of plastic wrap. Use a rolling pin to roll crust to fit a nine-inch pie pan. A quiche pan with a fluted edge works well.

 Healthy pumpkin pie filling recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 15-ounce can pumpkin
• 1/2 cup egg substitute
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 12-ounce can evaporated milk

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F. In a medium bowl, whisk pumpkin with egg substitute, sugar and spices. Add evaporated milk and stir thoroughly. Pour mixture into pie shell.
2. Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 350°F and keep baking for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of pie comes out clean. The center will get firmer as it cools.

This makes 8 servings. Each serving contains about 273 calories, 8 grams of protein, 9 grams of fat, 40 grams of carbohydrates.

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Interested in learning more about healthier habits for your family? Join one of our Get Up & Go programs or a family cooking class.