Pumpkin Mania!! Part 3 - Sam's Club Artisan Fresh Pumpkin Pie

I'm really knocking out the holiday treats this week, aren't I? We're going to end up having a "post-holiday-season" diet and exercise review series starting in January at this rate.

The newest item up for review is Sam's Club Artisan Fresh Pumpkin Pie.

Looks yummy, right?!

So, my husband, who means well texted me at work with a picture of this pie. He's a smart man. He knows I love pumpkin. By the time I actually got to read the message, it was about 20 minutes later, and trying to be mindful of the waistline I shot back, "No pie."

Well of course the bugger had already bought it. Again, smart man. I'm always a bit skeptical of store-bought pumpkin pie. My grandma's pumpkin pie was the greatest in the world, even the year there was soap in it. Long story there - when I was about 8 or 9, at Thanksgiving dinner the entire family insisted that grandma's pie tasted "soapy". Like maybe the pie pan wasn't rinsed enough or something. But, I loved my grandma, and damn did she really make the best pies EVER. So, soapy or not, I insisted that there was no such thing and this was just the best pie she ever made. And I proceeded to eat half of it just to prove that fact.

But, this pie, made by Sam's Club under their Artisan Fresh brand is a very, very close second to the best. First off, it is MASSIVE. You can't really tell from the picture, but this pie is about 18" across. The crust is thick on the bottom, so that it doesn't get that soft-wet cookie consistancy, but rather a nice, firm crust. And the filling is about 1" thick, which is just right.

The best parts though, aside from the crust, is the consistency and flavor of the filling. It is just the right density, and smooth and creamy with no uneven chunks or lumps of pumpkin puree. There is a nice spice blend, well balanced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and what seems to be a hint of clove. If you're going to go for a store-bought pie this holiday season, THIS is the one to get, hands down. It's also a great value - this massive beast of a pie was only $5.99.

And that about wraps it up, bringing the Pumpkin Mania! contenders score now to 3 Wins, 1 Loss. I'm going to go have some pie, folks - have a good night!