Southern Pumpkin Delight with "Candied" Pecans

It's Pumpkin Time!  Even if you are not a big fan of pumpkin pie, MY version will have you coming back for more!  The key for this recipe and all of my recipes, is to taste each individual layer for sweetness and adjust accordingly.  You may need to add 1 or 2 more servings of Kal Stevia but just don't add too much!  I also use  1/2 tsp of molasses on the pecans to help them caramelize.  It really doesn't make a difference in the carb count and offers great flavor.  You omit the candied nuts on top or just use plain pecans.  

This would be the perfect dessert for Thanksgiving or any holiday meal!  Enjoy! 

Southern Pumpkin Delight with "Candied" Pecans
Serves 12

Crust:
1 1/2 cup almond flour
1 cup chopped pecans 
8 T butter, soften (I used salted)
1/8th tsp Kal Stevia (to taste)
1/8 tsp salt 

Mix ingredients well and taste for sweetness/saltiness.  Adjust if needed.  Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Press crust into 9 inch pie dish or equivalent oven safe dish.  Bake for 15-17 minutes until the outside edges begin to brown.  Remove and allow to cool completely. 

Whipped Cream Cheese Mixture*:
12 oz cream cheese, room temperature 
12 oz heavy whipping cream, chilled
1/4 tsp Kal Stevia (to taste)
1/2 T vanilla

Beat cream cheese until smooth.  Add heavy whipping cream, Kal Stevia and vanilla.  Whip until thickened.  Taste for sweetness.  Reserve 3/4 cup mixture for Pumpkin Layer below.

Pumpkin Layer:
1 cup plain pumpkin
3/4 cup Whipped Cream Cheese* (from above recipe)
3/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp vanilla
1/8th tsp Kal Stevia (to taste)

Fold pumpkin, the 3/4 cup Whipped Cream Cheese Mixture* and remaining ingredients and blend well.  Taste for sweetness.

"Candied" Pecans:
1/2 T salted butter
1/2 cup pecan halves
1/2 tsp molasses (or honey)
2 servings Kal Stevia (to taste)

In a small frying pan over med-low heat, add butter and pecans.  Toast nuts about 3-5 minutes, stirring often.  Turn heat down to low and add molasses.  Stir well to coat all pecans.  Add stevia and stir well until evenly coated.  Taste for sweetness and add a bit more stevia if desired.  Allow to cool completely on parchment paper.

To assemble:  Pour Pumpkin Layer over cooled crust.  Then top with Whipped Cream Cheese Mixture.  Allow to cool for at least 2 hours or overnight.  Before servings, sprinkle "candied" pecans on top of Whipped Cream Mixture.

Nutrition: 5 grams Net Carbohydrates per serving