Pumpkin Mascarpone Pie

Why do you think these photos only show one side of the pie?

Here’s a hint: One of us has an incredible lack of self-control.

Here’s another hint: One of us believes in the importance of taste tests, especially for pies that one has made for the past three Thanksgivings in a row. Quality control, people.

Here’s one more hint: One of us knew that the photos would look just fine at a carefully camouflaged angle.

Can you guess??

Yes, I think we all know ‘twas I who enjoyed a nice, big forkful of pie before bothering to take photos of this yummy creation. Rather than a warning sign of impending Thanksgiving gluttony, however, I view this occurrence as a happy testament to just how delicious Pumpkin Mascarpone Pie really is. Like I said, I’ve been making it for several years now, ever since I saw the recipe in an issue of Bon Appétit and fell in love with its light, perfectly pumpkin-y flavor.

As you can tell from the recipe’s name, this subtle journey away from the typical Thanksgiving pumpkin pie formula is all thanks to the addition of rich and creamy mascarpone cheese. If you’re like I was a few years ago—somewhat unaware of the wonders of mascarpone—let me give you a quick introduction. Basically, to imagine the look, taste, and texture of mascarpone, just think of an non-sweet, slightly creamier version of cream cheese. It’s thanks to this rather blank palette that mascarpone works so beautifully in both savory and sweet dishes, adding density, moisture, and—in case I haven’t emphasized it enough already—creaminess. And best of all, you can usually find it in the specialty cheese section of your local supermarket.

Now, before I continue gabbing about why this particular version of pumpkin pie is, truly, the only pumpkin pie that I think will ever grace my Thanksgiving celebrations, I’ll go ahead and point you toward the recipe. Even though this blog post is cutting it a little close for Thanksgiving, if you are in need of an easy, impressive dessert, this pie is definitely your best bet.

Happy Thanksgiving!

P.S.—What’s your favorite Thanksgiving dish?? Tell me in the comments!