Maple-Apple Pecan Crunch Pumpkin Pie

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 1-1/2-quart souffle dish, 8-inch springform pan, or 8 4-ounce ramekins; set aside. For filling, in a medium bowl, combine pumpkin, sugar, honey, and pie spice. Add eggs and vanilla. Beat lightly with a fork just until combined. Gradually stir in evaporated milk. Pour into prepared dish, pan, or ramekins. If using a springform pan, place on a foil-lined baking sheet. If using ramekins, place in a 15x10x1-inch baking pan.

Bake for 45 to 50 minutes for dish or pan or 30 to 35 minutes for ramekins or until center appears set when gently shaken. Cool 1 hour on a wire rack. Cover and chill at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours before serving.

Meanwhile, core, quarter and thinly slice apples (or pears) and place in a large skillet with the water. Cook, covered, over medium heat for 5 minutes or just until softened and pliable but not mushy. Drain off liquid.

To serve the pie, arrange the cooked apple (or pear) slices atop the pumpkin. Sprinkle with pecans (or walnuts) and drizzle with maple syrup. If using a springform pan, loosen pumpkin from sides of pan by running a thin metal spatula around the edge; cut into wedges to serve. If using souffle dish, spoon pumpkin out of the dish onto serving plates.