Maple-Pumpkin Custards with Crystallized Ginger

From EatingWell: Fall 2002, The Essential EatingWell Cookbook (2004) — Subscribe Now!

A Thanksgiving meal wouldn't be complete without pumpkin, and here in Vermont we wouldn't dream of excluding our beloved maple syrup. We've combined the two in these elegant custards, featuring the best part of a pumpkin pie and saving calories for a luscious finish of real whipped cream. If you can find it, use Grade B dark amber syrup to get the best maple flavor.

READER'S COMMENT:

"These were super easy and tasted wonderful. They tasted like a rich pumpkin pie without the crust. I love that I was eating dessert yet I felt I was eating something healthy (lowfat and fiber from the pumpkin). I also love that they can...

Maple-Pumpkin Custards with Crystallized Ginger Recipe

6 servings

Active Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 3 hours (including cooling and chilling)

Nutrition Profile

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups 1% milk
4 large eggs
3/4 cup maple syrup, (see Ingredient note)
3/4 cup canned unseasoned pumpkin puree
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons whipped cream
1/4 cup chopped crystallized ginger

Preparation

Preheat oven to 325°F. Put a kettle of water on to heat for the water bath. Line a roasting pan with a folded kitchen towel.
Heat milk over low heat in a small saucepan until barely steaming but not boiling.
Whisk eggs and syrup in a large bowl until smooth. Gently whisk in the warm milk (a little bit at a time so the eggs don't cook). Add pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt; whisk until blended.
Divide the mixture among six 6-ounce (3/4-cup) custard cups. Skim foam from the surface. Place custard cups in the prepared roasting pan. Pour enough boiling water into the pan to come halfway up the sides of the custard cups. Place the pan in the oven and bake, uncovered, until custards are just set but still quiver in the center when shaken, 45 to 50 minutes. Transfer custards to a wire rack and let cool for 45 minutes. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until chilled.
To serve, top each custard with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkling of crystallized ginger.

Tips & Notes

Make Ahead Tip: Prepare through Step 4. Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

Ingredient Note: If you can find it, use Grade B dark amber syrup to get the best maple flavor.

Nutrition

Per serving: 212 calories; 5 g fat (2 g sat, 2 g mono); 145 mg cholesterol; 37 g carbohydrates; 7 g protein; 1 g fiber; 131 mg sodium; 286 mg potassium.

Nutrition Bonus: 100% dv Vitamin A.

2 1/2 Carbohydrate Serving

Exchanges: 1/2 low-fat milk, 2 other carbohydrate, 1/2 medium fat