Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour3/4 teaspoon salt2/3 cup shortening4 to 6 tablespoons cold waterFILLING:6 large eggs1 can (29 ounces) pumpkin2 cups packed brown sugar2 teaspoons ground cinnamon1 teaspoon salt1/2 teaspoon each ground cloves, nutmeg and ginger2 cups evaporated milkDECORATIONS (OPTIONAL):Dough for single-crust pie1 large egg, beaten

Preparation

Preheat oven to 450°. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt; cut in shortening until crumbly. Gradually add water, tossing with a fork until dough forms a ball. Divide dough in half. On a floured surface, roll out each portion to fit a 9-in. pie plate. Place each crust in a plate; trim crust to 1/2 in. beyond edge of plate. Flute edges.

For filling, beat eggs in a large bowl. Add the pumpkin, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, cloves, nutmeg and ginger; beat just until combined. Gradually stir in milk. Pour into crusts.

Bake for 10 minutes. Reduce oven setting to 350°; bake until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, 40-45 minutes longer. Cool pies on wire racks for 1 hour. Refrigerate at least 3 hours before serving. Refrigerate leftovers.

If desired, use additional pie dough and beaten egg to make decorations.

For Pumpkins: Roll a small amount of pie dough into a ball; score sides of ball with the blunt side of a knife to create ridges. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet, flatten slightly and insert a whole clove to make the stem. Refrigerate until firm. Brush with beaten egg and bake at 400° until light golden brown and baked through, 15-20 minutes.

For Vines: Roll out pie dough to 1/8-in. thickness; cut narrow strips of dough in various lengths. Lay strips on parchment-lined baking sheet and shape into coils as desired. Refrigerate until firm. Brush with beaten egg and bake at 400° until light golden brown, 8-10 minutes.

For Leaves: Roll pie dough to 1/8-in. thickness. Cut out leaves using mini leaf-shaped cutters. Using a knife, score leaves to create veins. Refrigerate until firm. Brush with beaten egg and bake at 400° until light golden brown, 8-10 minutes.

Arrange baked pumpkins, vines and leaves on surface of chilled pie.