Cinnamon, Pumpkin, and Squash Pot Pies

When I first saw this recipe, I just knew I had to try it! It absolutely spoke to me, but for a reason I could not put my finger on. It did have pumpkin of course, which I am definitely a fan of, but as far as the ingredient list as a whole, I was skeptical, quite honestly. Maybe I was just feeling curious and adventurous, but I finally bit the bullet and made it. I really had no idea what to expect, but I was blown away! This one is a winner!

It was a bit time consuming, but well worth the effort. It can be prepared in advance and refrigerated until you're ready to bake it, so it would be a great way to wow your guests at a dinner party!

This recipe made enough to fill 8 6-ounce ramekins. I definitely think it would be better in slightly larger ones, maybe 4 10-ounce ones instead. Also, I'll say it served 4 to be safe- I was OK with one of these (in addition to a salad and roasted squash) for dinner, but H needed two to feel full.

Cinnamon, Pumpkin, and Squash Pot Pies
(serves 4)

3 medium sweet potatoes

2 cups of pumpkin puree
1 Tablespoon of chopped, fresh rosemary
1/2  teaspoon of salt
black pepper to taste

1 Tablespoon of olive oil
2 cloves of garlic, minced or pressed
1 leek, chopped

1/2 cup of heavy cream (I used half and half)
1 Tablespoon of cinnamon

2 Tablespoons of olive oil
1 onion, chopped
1/2 of a butternut squash, peeled and diced

1/2 cup of heavy cream (I used half and half)
1/2 cup of golden raisins
1 handful of cherry tomatoes, halved

2 scallions, chopped
6 basil leaves, chopped

3 oz. of herbed Brie, sliced thin
3 oz. of mozzarella, shredded
3 oz. of Cheddar, shredded

1 pie crust (I used this recipe), cut out into circles just slightly larger than your ramekins
1 egg white

Directions: Heat oven to 425. Wash and wrap sweet potatoes in foil, and cook for about 45-60 minutes, depending on size.

When potatoes have about 20 minutes left, mix pumpkin puree, rosemary, salt, and pepper in a bowl to combine. Spread mixture on an aluminum-covered baking sheet. Roast for about 15 minutes (still at 425, so you can do this while the potatoes are still in there).

Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a saucepan, and add leek and garlic. Saute until soft, about 8-10 minutes. Add in heavy cream and cinnamon, and cook over medium for 5 minutes. Add pumpkin mixture, and stir to combine.

Spray the bottoms of your ramekins, and divide pumpkin mixture evenly between them. Set aside. (When sweet potatoes are done in the oven, probably around this stage, remove, unwrap, peel, chop them, and set aside. Turn oven down to 350.)

Heat olive oil in a saucepan, and add onions and butternut squash. Cook for about 5 minutes. Add heavy cream and raisins, and let cook over medium heat until squash is cooked through- about 10 minutes. Add in scallions, basil, tomatoes, and sweet potatoes, and mix lightly to combine.

Remove from heat, and stir in mozzarella, Cheddar, and Brie until fully melted. Divide squash mixture evenly between ramekins, on top of the pumpkin.

Top each ramekin with a pie crust circle. (If you are preparing these ahead of time, now is the time to cover in plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to bake.) Brush each top with an egg wash, and bake for about 25-30 minutes at 350, or until top is golden brown. Enjoy!

Adapted from The Novice Chef, original recipe here, originally from RecipeLink.