1-3/4 C. sugar, divided

1-1/2 C. all-purpose flour

1/2 C. cold butter

4 eggs, lightly beaten

1 can (29 ounces) solid-pack pumpkin

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

1 tsp. ground ginger

1/2 tsp. ground cloves

2 cans (12 ounces each) evaporated milk

Whipped cream and additional ground cinnamon, optional

 

In a bowl, combine 1/4 C. sugar and flour; cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press into an ungreased 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan. In a bowl, combine the eggs, pumpkin, salt, spices and remaining sugar. Stir in milk. Pour over crust. Bake at 425° for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 350°; bake 50-55 minutes longer or until filling is set. Cool on a wire rack. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Cut into squares. Top with whipped cream and sprinkle with cinnamon if desired. Yield: 15-18 minutes.