Pumpkin Apple Pie Filling

So I have to admit something, I have never made an apple pie. Am I alone out there?

It's not a huge secret, I don't like baking. I don't have a big sweet tooth. However, sometimes I get that urge to bake and then give it away (It's a problem other people tend to really like). However, the kids' sweet teeth have been growing and growing. A few weeks ago, we were gifted a lot of apples from my neighbor. They are called Wolf River Apples and they are about the size of a baby's head! Gabe asked for an apple pie. So, I made him apple crisp and he was one happy camper.

Two weeks go by and he is still asking for apple pie. I needed the kids to be on super good behavior so, I did what any other mom would do ... I bribed them! If they did good, I would make them an apple pie. To my happiness and dismay, they did so I was on the hook for one apple pie. I googled apple pie filling and of course, didn't love my options. I didn't want to run to the store and I didn't have apple juice or arrowroot to thicken the sauce.

I was staring at my pantry pondering how to make this work when I saw my pumpkin puree. I was hoping the puree with a little maple syrup could substitute for a thick pie filling to go with the apples.

I followed the same recipe that I did two weeks back (off the top of my head) with my apple crisp and went to work. I figured I should add some extra spice to give it that pumpkin pie taste. Then of course I had to test out all of the fillings options so I made little apple pumpkin apple pie pockets, a mini pumpkin apple pie as well as an apple pumpkin crisp. All worked out great.

I still can't say that I have made an apple pie, but I'm okay with that! And now, when it comes time for Thanksgiving and people need to decide "Pumpkin or Apple" ... they don't have to!!

Pumpkin Apple Pie Filling

Makes enough for one pie or an 8x8 pan of Pumpkin Apple Crisp.

5 cups sliced apples
1 T butter
1 T brown sugar
2/3 c pumpkin puree
1/3 c maple syrup
1 t cinnamon
1/4 t ground cloves
1/4 t ground ginger
1/4 t nutmeg

Melt butter in a pan, add in apples and sauté until they are tender but not mush ... a little firmness still there. Turn off heat and add the brown sugar and mix it around the apples.

In a bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, maple syrup and the rest of the spices. Add the apple mixture to the pumpkin.

Now, you are ready to fill your favorite pie crust or top with a yummy oat crisp topping for Pumpkin Apple Crisp. Or, make a little bit of everything like do! Follow the directions of your crisp or pie recipe and enjoy!