11tablespoonscold unsalted buttercut into 1/2-inch cubes
1tablespoonGrand Marnieroptional
2-4tablespoonsice water
1pinchsalt
rice flourfor dusting
Praline Layer
3tablespoonsunsalted buttersoftened
1/3cuplight brown sugarpacked
1/3cuppecanstoasted and ground
Tart Filling
1cupevaporated milk
1/2cupwater
2largeeggs
116 oz. canpumpkinPreferably organic
1/2cupgranulated sugar
1teaspoonground cinnamon
1/4teaspoonground nutmeg
1/4teaspoonground cloves
1/2teaspoonsalt
For Serving
1cupheavy creamwhipped
12wholetoasted pecan halvesoptional
Instructions
To make crust:
In a food processor, combine flour, sugar, lemon peel and salt. Add butter and pulse until it resembles coarse meal.
Add Grand Marnier (if using), then while pulsing processor, gradually add ice water one tablespoon at a time, until it comes together. Flatten into a disk and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
On lightly floured surface (use rice flour here) roll dough out into a 13-inch circle about 1/8-inch thick. Fit into 11-inch tart pan and form edges. Prick bottom with fork, cover with plastic wrap and freeze until firm.
The easiest thing to do is make the tart crust ahead, up to a month, and freeze it. It will then be on hand when you want to make the tart.
To make praline layer:
Preheat oven to 450°F.
Cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in ground pecans and spread mixture onto bottom of tart shell.
Bake in 450°F oven for 10 minutes. This creates the praline layer. Let cool.
To make filling:
Reduce oven temperature to 350°F.
In small saucepan add evaporated milk and water and bring just to a boil. Take off heat and remove any skin that may have formed on top.
In a large bowl whisk the eggs together. Add the pumpkin, granulated sugar, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and salt.
Stir in the milk mixture and whisk together. Pour over praline layer and bake at 350°F for 50 to 60 minutes or until set but still slightly soft in center.
Cool and serve with whipped cream. Optionally top with 12 toasted pecan halves.