Lightened Pumpkin Pie

1. Prepare Pastry for Lightened Single-Crust Pie and line a 9-inch pie plate as directed.

2. Stir together pumpkin, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves or allspice in a large mixing bowl. Add egg whites. Beat mixture with a fork until combined. Stir in evaporated skim milk and water. Place pastry-lined pie plate on an oven rack. Pour pumpkin mixture into pie plate. Cover edge of pie crust with foil.

3. Bake in a 375 degree F oven for 25 minutes. Remove foil. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes more or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool pie on a wire rack. Cover and store in refrigerator. Serve with whipped topping, if desired. Makes 8 servings.

Make-Ahead Tip
Up to 1 week ahead, prepare pastry. Roll the pastry into rounds. Place on waxed paper on a baking sheet. Wrap, seal, label, and freeze. Thaw at room temperature before using. Pastry also may be refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Lightened Pastry for Single-Crust Pie
Butter-flavored shortening also works well in this recipe.1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 cup shortening 4 to 5 tablespoons cold waterStir together flour and the salt. Using a pastry blender cut in shortening until pieces are pea size.Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of the water over part of the mixture; gently toss with a fork. Push moistened dough to the side of the bowl. Repeat moistening dough, using 1 tablespoon of the water at a time, until all the dough is moistened. Form dough into a ball.On a lightly floured surface, use your hands to slightly flatten dough. Roll dough from center to edges into a circle about 12 inches in diameter.To transfer pastry, wrap it around the rolling pin. Unroll pastry into a 9-inch pie plate. Ease pastry into pie plate, being careful not to stretch pastry.Trim pastry to 1/2 inch beyond edge of pie plate. Fold under extra pastry. Crimp edge as desired. Do not prick pastry. Continue as directed above.