By: Robin Kurss

Ok, I give in. November is Pumpkin Month (who knew?) and I have become obsessed looking through pumpkin recipes and making them. My Mom made a version of this during the 60’s, albeit using chocolate, not pumpkin.  I had to try it, I did, and I’m not disappointed. It’s a great make ahead and feeds a crowd…. hello Thanksgiving. Retro is sometimes all it’s cracked up to be! Enjoy.

Makes 8-10 Servings

FOR THE CRUST:
• 1 3/4 c. Graham Cracker Crumbs
• 1/2 c. Butter, Melted
• 2 Tbsp. Powdered Sugar
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8 square baking dish with parchment paper and set aside.
1. Place graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and powdered sugar in a mixing bowl and mix until well combined. Press firmly into the bottom and partway up the sides of the prepared baking dish.
2. Bake in preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until crust is just starting to change color. Set aside to cool completely.

FOR THE PUMPKIN FILLING:
• 4 tsp. Cold Water
• 1 tsp. Gelatin
• 4 oz. Cream Cheese
• 1/2 c. Powdered Sugar
• 3/4 c. Pumpkin Puree
• 1 ½ tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice
• 1 pinch Salt
• 1 tsp. Vanilla
• 3/4 c. Whipping Cream
1. Place the water in a small saucepan. Sprinkle the gelatin on top. Set aside for 10 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
3. Add pumpkin, spice and vanilla and beat again until smooth. Heat the gelatin mixture over the stove, whisking often, until gelatin completely dissolves. 1. 4. Pour into the pumpkin mixture and beat well. In a separate mixing bowl, beat whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold into the pumpkin mixture in 3 even additions. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream too much.
5. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge while you make the topping.

FOR THE TOPPING:
• 4 oz. Cream Cheese
• 2- 3 Tbsp. Powdered Sugar
• 2/3 c. Whipping Cream
• 1/4 c. Chopped, Toasted Pecans
1. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth. Gradually add whipping cream. Beat until stiff peaks form. Spread over the pumpkin filling with an offset spatula.
2. Cover with plastic wrap and chill the bars in the refrigerator until they are set, about 4–6 hours. Just before serving, sprinkle with the pecans.