#8 CARROT PUDDING PIES
Ingredients:
2 (14-ounce) containers good-quality vanilla ice cream
1 pound carrots, peeled and shredded
1 (14-ounce) box refrigerated pie dough rolls (2 rolls)
3 tablespoons cornstarch
2 to 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
PANTRY STAPLE: Kosher salt
TOPPING IDEA: Sweetened, whipped cream
Directions:
1. Heat the ice cream in a large saucepan over medium heat until melted. Stir in the carrots and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour.
2. Meanwhile, unroll the pie dough rolls and cut into 3-inch circles; collect and reroll scraps, cut out into more circles. Gently press dough circles into an ungreased 12-cup muffin pan; line each with parchment and fill with pie weights. Bake 12 to 14 minutes or until golden. Let cool in the pan slightly, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Remove parchment and pie weights.
3. Pour the ice cream mixture into a clean saucepan through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing down on the carrot solids with a spatula to release all of the liquid; transfer 3 tablespoons liquid to a small bowl and whisk in the cornstarch and 1/4 teaspoon salt until smooth. Gradually whisk cornstarch mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining liquid and bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring, until pudding coats the back of the spoon. Stir in the butter until melted.
4. Divide the pudding among the prepared tart shells. Transfer to a serving platter, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the pudding (to prevent a skin from forming), and refrigerate at least 3 hours or until cold and firm. Top with whipped cream, if desired!