MINI PUMPKIN PIES

Steps:

• Roll out pastry dough to 1/4 inch thickness.
• Cut out 2-1/2" circles from the dough.
• You should have 15.
• Place each circle in a muffin cup and push in to fit pan.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• In a large bowl, beat together pumpkin, sugar, milk, egg and vanilla.
• Add the pudding mix and beat until blended.
• It will thicken nicely.
• Add spices.
• Stir to combine.
• Fill pastry crusts evenly.
• Place in oven and bake for 30 minutes.
• Cool on rack.
• When cool, you can place in a rigid freezer container with layers of waxed paper in between.
• Freeze until needed.
• You can thaw these in the refrigerator or put in the microwave for about 1 minute.
• This depends on the wattage of your micro.
• If you want to add meringue, first mix together the cornstarch and cold water.
• Add to 1/2 cup boiling water.
• Cook over low heat until it thickens.
• Set aside to cool.
• Beat egg whites, dash of salt, and sugar until stiff.
• Add cooled cornstarch mixture to beaten egg white mixture.
• Put on pie, making sure it covers the edges well.
• Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until golden brown.