A Thanksgiving meal wouldn't be complete without pumpkin, and here in Vermont we wouldn't dream of excluding our beloved maple syrup. We've combined the two in these elegant custards, featuring the best part of a pumpkin pie and saving calories for a luscious finish of real whipped cream. If you can find it, use Grade B dark amber syrup to get the best maple flavor.

Makes 6 servings

ACTIVE TIME: 30 minutes

TOTAL TIME: 3 hours (including cooling and chilling)

EASE OF PREPARATION: Moderate

1 1/2 cups 1% milk
4 large eggs
3/4 cup maple syrup (see Ingredient note)
3/4 cup canned unseasoned pumpkin puree
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons whipped cream
1/4 cup chopped crystallized ginger

1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Put a kettle of water on to heat for the water bath. Line a roasting pan with a folded kitchen towel.
2. Heat milk over low heat in a small saucepan until barely steaming but not boiling.
3. Whisk eggs and syrup in a large bowl until smooth. Gently whisk in the warm milk (a little bit at a time so the eggs don't cook). Add pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt; whisk until blended.
4. Divide the mixture among six 6-ounce (3/4-cup) custard cups. Skim foam from the surface. Place custard cups in the prepared roasting pan. Pour enough boiling water into the pan to come halfway up the sides of the custard cups. Place the pan in the oven and bake, uncovered, until custards are just set but still quiver in the center when shaken, 45 to 50 minutes. Transfer custards to a wire rack and let cool for 45 minutes. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until chilled.
5. To serve, top each custard with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkling of crystallized ginger.

NUTRITION INFORMATION: Per serving: 212 calories; 5 g fat (2 g sat, 2 g mono); 145 mg cholesterol; 37 g carbohydrate; 7 g protein; 1 g fiber; 135 mg sodium.

Nutrition bonus: Vitamin A (100% daily value).
Exchanges: 1/2 low-fat milk, 2 other carbohydrate, 1/2 medium fat

2 1/2 Carbohydrate Servings

TIP: Ingredient Note: If you can find it, use Grade B dark amber syrup to get the best maple flavor.

MAKE AHEAD TIP: Prepare through Step 4. Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

These are delicious. I used a full teaspoon of maple extract and substituted half and half for the milk for a more decadent approach. I also checked the custards with an instant-read thermometer for doneness. They should register 170 degrees.

Anonymous, Austin, TX