"MAPLE N' PUMPKIN N' SPICE....OH MY!"

With Thanksgiving right around the corner I found a recipe that not only incorporates the true spirit of the Canadian holiday but won't have you spending more time in the kitchen and less time enjoying the fruits of your labour. After all this is a time for family, friends and that special someone. So with all the people that you love all under one roof it's only natural you'd pick something special that everyone will like and is appropriate for this occasion. While all are assembled at the dinner table (after Tom Turkey has made an appearance that is) this sweet little gem makes its debut to the oh's and ah's of Aunt Martha and Little Timmy.

Yup, it's the perfect dessert to end a beautiful meal. It's called 'Maple Pumpkin' and is so easy your guests will think you've been slaving over a hot stove for days (little do they know). This delicious treat is easy to put together. Yet, makes a wonderful statement that will have them craving seconds. Autumn is such a magical time of year and what better way to show it than to bring out the tasty offerings nature gives us year after year. Mother Nature's got it goin' on and now you do too! Dig in everybody!

"MAPLE PUMPKIN"

Ingredients:
8 egg yolks
2 cups (500ml) whipping cream
1/2 cup (250ml) pumpkin puree
1/2 cup (125ml) maple syrup
1/4 cup (50ml) granulated sugar
1 tsp (5ml) vanilla
1/2 tsp (2ml) grated nutmeg
1/4 tsp (1ml) cinnamon

Topping:
1/2 cup (125ml) granulated sugar

Directions:
Whisk egg yolks, cream, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, sugar, vanilla, nutmeg and cinnamon in a large bowl until smooth. Divide mixture in 6-oz for eight ramekins or custard cups.

Place cups in shallow metal pan and pour boiling water to come half way upside cups. Bake for 35 minutes in 350F (180C) oven until edges are set and centre still jiggles. Remove from water and refrigerate until cold. About 2 hours. If made ahead of time cover and refrigerate for 2 days.

Topping:
Sprinkle with sugar, broil 6 inches (15cm) from heat or burn with pastry torch until melted and caramelized. About 2 minutes. Serves 8

For this tasty recipe and many more like it please visit 'Canadian Living':
http://www.canadianliving.com/food/menus_and_collections/recipes_for_pumpkins_and_pumpkin_seeds.php