PUMPKIN APPLESAUCE PIE

Steps:

• Invert the pastry over a 9-inch deep dish pie pan, center it & gently tuck the pastry into the pan without stretching it, then sculpt the edge into an upstanding ridge.
• Place the pie shell in the freezer for at least 30 minutes.
• When ready to prebake it, preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Tear off a sheet of aluminum foil at least 15 inches long, carefully press it into the pastry until it fits like a second skin, & then arrange the excess foil on either side so that it points out like a pair of wings ~ Bunching it up underneath will deflect the heat, which you don't want to do! Fill the foil with about 1 1/2 pounds of dried beans, pushing them up the sides a little to keep the pastry snug against the pan.
• Bake the shell on the center rack for 20 minutes, then remove it from the oven, & with hands protected, grasp the foil on either side & slowly lift the beans out of the shell.
• Use a fork to poke the bottom of the pastry 4 or 6 times, twisting the fork slightly to enlarge the holes, so that steam can escape & help prevent the pastry from puffing up.
• Put the pie shell back in the oven & bake for another 7 to 8 minutes, then let it cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes, while making the filling. Turn the oven down to 350 degrees F.
• In a medium-size bowl, whisk the eggs until foamy & blended, then whisk in the maple syrup & vanilla. Set aside.
• In a small mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, salt & spices, then whisk this into the egg mixture.
• Whisk in the applesauce & pumpkin, blending until smooth, then ladle the filling into the partially baked crust.
• Place the pie on the center oven rack & bake 50 to 55 minutes. To check the pie for doneness, give the pan a quick little shake ~ The filling should not waver but should appear set in the middle. The sides might have puffed & have a flat finish while the center will be more glossy, indicating that the pie is ready to be taken from the oven & set on a wire rack to cool. Although it is very good warm, the apple flavor is more pronounced when the pie is cold.
• If served cold, refrigerate the pie loosely covered with a sheet of waxed paper.