Simple Ways to Doctor a Store Bought Pumpkin Pie This Thanksgiving

Pumpkin pie is the quintessential thanksgiving dessert. Smooth and creamy with a heaping dollop of whipped cream on the top, nothing beats it as an after turkey dinner treat. Even the pies bought from the local grocery store's bakery, the pies prepared with canned pumpkin and pre-made crusts, or the pies that are simply heated from the freezer section are delicious. But why settle for an ordinary pumpkin pie this holiday season when the addition of a few different ingredients and 5-10 minutes of extra time will add a wow factor to an already delicious pumpkin pie.

Note: several of the following pie recipes call for toasted nuts. In order to toast nuts, place the nuts in a single layer in a dry skillet and toast over medium high heat, stirring constantly for 5-7 minutes. Nuts will be done when the outside turns a rich, golden color. Remove from pan immediately when finished to allow to cool.

Pumpkin and Chocolate Pie

Chocolate lovers won't miss a beat with this delectable combination of pumpkin and chocolate.

One bag of semi sweet chocolate chips

One prepared pumpkin pie at room temperature

Whipped cream

Toasted, chopped walnuts

Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler* or in a microwave over low heat. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the top of the pumpkin pie. Allow to cool before serving. Top each serving of pie with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of toasted walnuts.

*To make a double boiler, simply place a glass or metal bowl over a pot of boiling water. Melt chocolate chips inside the bowl while stirring constantly once the chips begin to melt.

Pumpkin Pie with Bourbon Whipped Cream and Pecans

The addition of bourbon and toasted pecans brings an upscale twist to a classic, home style pie.

2 cups prepared whipped cream or thawed frozen whipped topping

2 ½ T. good bourbon

Dash of nutmeg

Chopped, toasted pecans

One prepared pumpkin pie

Blend whipped cream, nutmeg, and bourbon until combined. Serve a dollop of whipped cream on each slice of pumpkin pie and sprinkle with chopped pecans.

Pumpkin Pie with Caramelized Pecan Topping

The caramelized pecans on top of this pie are absolutely decadent.

One prepared pumpkin pie

3 T softened butter

¾ cup pecans

¾ cup brown sugar, packed

Preheat broiler. Mix together butter, pecans, and brown sugar until combined. Drop mixture by teaspoonfuls over the pie, covering the surface of the pie evenly. Place pie 5 inches under the broiler and broil until the mixture becomes bubbly, about 3 minutes. Do not overcook. Cool before serving.