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This ubiquitous crop not only sustained early settlers but also cultivated a culinary heritage that endures today. Exploring the historical significance of pumpkins offers a glimpse into America's past and how a humble squash evolved into a dish synonymous with American culture—pumpkin pie.
The History of Pumpkin Pie in America
In this exploration, we turn to the first American cookbook, American Cookery, penned by Amelia Simmons in 1796. It provides recipes from the early United States, featuring one of the earliest known iterations of pumpkin pie. The recipe reads:
"One quart of milk, 1 pint pompkin, 4 eggs, molasses, allspice and ginger in a crust, bake 1 hour."