I'm genetically incapable of following a precise recipe. But we will shortly be making a few pies with 'Cha-Cha' kabocha squash. Cut the squash in half, scoop out the seeds and glop, bake the halves in a 350 oven for an hour - hour &15 minutes until when you pinch them, they give easily, and not burned. Let cool. Then scoop out the insides, throw out the skin. I use a food processor, but I suppose a mixer would do, but anyway, add a couple of eggs, cup-ish half & half, and the squash to the bowl, then spices. Grated fresh ginger, bit of honey, cinnamon, and couple tablespoons of lime juice. The squash itself is naturally very sweet and dense, so it doesn't take much sweetener at all. So what I've discovered is that making a custard isn't that hard, the milk and eggs does that for you with out much measuring. The question comes in with the spices, and we add a lot of cinnamon and ginger - say a tablespoon of cinnamon and a full two inches of ginger. But you're after that combination of cinnamon, ginger, and lime. You could add less, I suppose. I use a store bought crust, then bake at 350 for an hour - hour & a half, using a straw to check for doneness. The custard may split if you cook it too long, but thats not a problem, aside from cosmetics. It's wonderful for breakfast. :-)

I know this is an old post, but I wanted to say thanks for the recipe. We grow butternut and sometimes we have too much. This recipe will be a great way to use it up. Thanks, Trish

If they are uncarved and do not have soft squishy spots, mould, nor mildew, they should be fine to eat. You could cut the pumpkins in half and seed, then cut into wedges (like you would squash) and roast until soft. Scoop the flesh from the skins, then PUREE it. Strain the puree before using. I am sorry, the mere thought of a pumpkin string in that custard pie makes me want to hurl. Dances - whose dancing bunny is at home and whose well-meaning grandmother would make pies with stringy jack-o-lanterns.....like eating a pumpkin hairball if you ask me.

Thanks, ladies, what lovely compliments from you all. I'm having a lot of fun making things. Connie, when I'm lying in bed trying to fall sleep, I ponder new projects. It lulls me to sleep and when I wake up, I have new ideas or solutions to problems. :)