Mini-Pumpkin Pudding Pies

The chill of winter is in the air so it may be a good time to serve up some warm comfort food. How does warm mini-pies sound to you? One pie is enough for two but dessert lovers may want their own. You can make several and freeze some for later. These mini-pies would be great to serve at your next gathering.

Filling:

1 cup milk
2- 4 serving size pkg. butterscotch** "no sugar" instant pudding/pie filling mix
2- 15 oz cans pumpkin ( or you can use fresh pumpkin)***
1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
Spiced Whipped Cream (optional)

To save on carbs I suggest using crust made from soy, wheat, or almond flour.
I have even tried flaxseed and all have worked great for these small pies.
Since the crust is small you may want to stick with the original white flour crust.

Crust:

In bowl combine 2+1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 Tbsp. sweetener (Splenda Baking Sweetener works best)
1 tsp. salt

Using fork, cut 1/3 cup chilled shortening and 6 Tbsp. chilled unsalted butter,
cut into 1/2 inch pieces, until crumbly.
Using fork, stir in 8 to 9 Tbsp. ice water 1 Tbsp. at a time,until
dough just starts to form.
Knead 2 or 3 times in bowl.
Divide pastry into 8 portions.
On floured surface roll portions into 7in. circles
Line the 4 to 5 inch tart pans with pastry, trim edges.
Prick bottom with fork.
Pre-heat oven to 450°F
Bake crust 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden brown

In large mixing bowl combine milk, pudding mix, pumpkin, and pumpkin pie spice.
Beat with electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes.
Divide mix among the prepared crust,spreading evenly.
Cover and chill for 2 hours to set.
To serve warm pop in microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or less.
Top with spiced whipped cream

To spice whipped cream , in chilled bowl combine 1/2 cup whipping cream, 1 Tbsp. of sugar or sweetener(Splenda) and 1/4 tsp. pumpkin pie spice. Beat with mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form.

** You can use other flavors if you don't care for butterscotch.

*** You can use any fruit pie filling as long as it is sugar free.
I like to make my own to be sure there isn't any added carbs. So give these a try and let me know how they turn out. Get creative and try something new like adding some nuts or some other treat inside these mini-pies.