Memorial Weekend Activities for the Entire Family

The calendar may say June 21st is the official first day of summer but everyone knows the REAL first sign of summer is Memorial Day weekend. Most of us have the day off to spend with family and friends and nowhere are there more fun things to do than in St. Louis!

• Why not make 2015 the year you start a family tradition by attending the Shakespeare Festival St. Louis? Beginning May 22nd and running through June 13th, this event was voted the Best Free Event in St. Louis in 2012. Held at Shakespeare Glen in Forest Park, the show runs every night except Tuesday with pre-show activities beginning at 6:30PM.
• Blues, BBQ and Beer is what you’ll find at the St. Louis Ribfest. This Memorial Day bash kicks off Friday, May 23rd at 5PM with Catfish Willie jamming out on the St. Charles, New Town Amphitheater stage.
• Who doesn’t like a bargain? Memorial Day weekend is the big Grafton Riverside Flea Market. Vendors line up and down Front Street selling everything from Depression glass to rare books.
• For even more shopping, May 25th beginning at 7AM is the 43rd annual Gypsy Caravan. All proceeds benefit the St. Louis Symphony and this year there will be almost 500 vendors selling everything under the sun at The Family Arena.
• Then what would Memorial Day be without a parade? The first Alton Memorial Parade was held three years after the end of the Civil War and has been going strong ever since. The parade begins right at 10AM and all you need to bring is a lawn chair for sitting and an American flag for waving.

We here at Ellis Dental wish everyone a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend. We will be closed Monday, May 25th, reopening for business Tuesday, May 26th. To schedule an appointment please contact us online or by calling 314.965.1334.

Which Dental Floss is Right for You?

Ellis Dental Floss

Just about everything on the market today comes with a plethora of options. Snack foods, condiments, hair care products, toothpaste, mouthwash…even floss!  With so many different choices, which floss is best? First, it’s imperative to note the importance of flossing no matter which floss you select.  Then, it’s just as important to learn how to floss correctly. If you have concerns about your flossing method, the next time you’re in for a cleaning or check-up ask Denise, Jennifer, Lore or Dr. Holly for helpful suggestions and tips.

• Unwaxed floss is the granddaddy of all flosses. It is very difficult to slide between the teeth and often will begin to shred while being pulled through.
• Waxed floss is the most popular floss sold. That small amount of wax coating makes the entire flossing process so much easier.
• Flavored floss, generally available in mint or cinnamon, helps your breath and gives your mouth a nice clean feeling. Almost all flavored flosses are waxed.
• Wide or fine floss. Whenever possible always go with a wider floss. It covers a larger portion of the tooth and gum and cleans more thoroughly. Plus a wider strand won’t cut your gums as easily.
• Floss picks are perfect for those hard to reach spots and since they are already pre-threaded and disposable they are great for when you can’t floss the regular way.

There is really no “right” floss; it all comes down to personal preference. Just remember it doesn’t do any good sitting in your bathroom drawer; you should floss daily for best results.

Ellis Dental is now accepting new patients. Please call 314.965.1334 today to schedule an appointment.

Tobacco Usage and Oral Cancer

Ellis Dental Exam

We all know the health risks associated with tobacco use. Lung cancer, heart disease and stroke could drastically be reduced or prevented if people stopped using tobacco products. Smoking, dipping and chewing tobacco is also the number one risk factor when it comes to oral cancers. Over 40,000 people annually will be diagnosed with an oral cancer and age of the patient generally determines the cause of the cancer. For example, the majority of younger non-smoking adults contract oral cancer from the human papilloma virus (HPV), while for the rest of the population, some form of tobacco use is the main culprit.

While tobacco rates here in the United States are declining as more of the population is becoming educated on the dangers of tobacco use, many researchers and scientists in the public health sector are still pushing to have tobacco declared an illegal substance by the year 2040.

Unfortunately stopping smoking is easier said than done. In fact, studies have shown tobacco addiction is harder to kick than heroin. In spite of graphic advertising campaigns, doctor and dentist intervention and over the counter stop smoking patches, pills and gums, people still continue to harm their bodies by smoking; and this bad habit affects more than just their health. Second hand smoke is a growing health concern and the main reason more cities, businesses and even hotels and apartment communities are banning smoking.

Oral cancers, like many other forms of cancer can be slow growing and hard to detect. Ellis Dental provides complementary oral cancer screenings as part of every hygiene examination. Our last post listed some of the most common oral cancer symptoms. If you believe you have one of these symptoms or feel as though something just “isn’t right,” please call us today to schedule an appointment. Your peace of mind, just like your oral health, is our first concern.

Oral Cancer Symptoms

Ellis Dental Tools

If you are a smoker, use smokeless tobacco, drink alcoholic beverages to excess, have a family history of oral cancer or have been diagnosed with the HPV virus, you need to be vigilant about changes within your mouth. Though it is important to note that 25 percent of all oral cancers occur in people who have never smoked and drink infrequently. Often very subtle, many of these changes can be life-threatening and need to be treated as soon as possible. If your dentist sees anything inside your mouth that is of a concern, they will advise you to follow up with your primary care physician as soon as possible. Or if you notice any of the follow symptoms, please contact your doctor right away.

• White, red or a combination of white and red speckled patches in your mouth.
• Mouth, neck or facial sores that appear with no explanation. These sores may bleed without provocation and never seem to fully heal.
• Bleeding inside the mouth that can’t be pinpointed back to a bleeding gum or tooth.
• Lumps, swelling or crusty spots on the lips, gums or inside the mouth itself.
• Feeling as though you have something stuck in the back of the throat.
• Pain when chewing, talking or swallowing.
• Noticing a difference in your bite or the way your dentures fit.

Concerned that something just isn’t right? Don’t wait until your next cleaning to have it checked out. Please call

Dr. Ellis

today and schedule an appointment. Remember: peace of mind is everything.

Dentist Approved Easter Treats

Easter at Ellis Dental 

Easter jelly beans, chocolate bunnies and marshmallow chicks have been on the grocery store shelves since February 15th and the kids have certainly taken notice. You have been able to buy a little time by telling them they have to wait for the Easter Bunny. But now April 5th is fast approaching and you need to start gathering goodies for their baskets.

• Not everything has to be edible. Include a couple age appropriate coloring books and a box of crayons, colored pencils or markers.
• Books are always a great gift no matter what the occasion.
• Now that the weather is getting warmer add a couple outdoor toys. A mini golf or T-ball set, a kid sized gardening kit or sandbox or swimming pool toys are always great choices.
• For older kids who may roll their eyes at the Easter bunny but still expect a basket on Sunday morning, you can’t go wrong with cash or gift cards.
• You can still include sweets in their baskets; just make sure to select the right ones. Choose chocolate over sticky gummy treats. Jelly beans, gum drops and tacky candies such as taffy can literally stick to the teeth. When deciding which chocolate is best, pick solid dark chocolate over those with sweet fillings.
• Add fruit. This way they still get the sweetness without all the harmful processed ingredients.
• After eating those sweet treats have the kids chew a piece of sugarless gum to get the saliva flowing. This helps to wash away harmful acids and bacteria.

We here at Ellis Dental would like to wish all our clients, friends and family a very Happy Easter. We will be open our regular hours, so please feel free to contact us at 314.965.1334 to schedule an appointment.

Chewing Gum: Yes or No?

Ellis Dental Chewing Gum

The chewing gum habit has been around long before the commercially manufactured gums of today. Ancient Greeks favored mastic tree sap while the Mayans chewed sap from the sapodilla tree. Here in America, Native Americans passed their love of spruce sap onto the European settlers. The gum base used today is made from a mix of synthetic materials including wax, resin and assorted elastomers. Though most people consider chewing gum to be candy, research by the American Dental Association has shown chewing gum can protect the teeth if used properly. Obviously the best case scenario is to brush and floss after every meal but that isn’t always possible. While many of us use gum to help reduce food related bad breath, most dentists agree chewing gum immediately after eating also helps to wash away harmful acids created when food and liquids come in contact with the always present bacteria in your mouth. The physicality of chewing increases saliva production which in turn helps to neutralize and rinse away those harmful acids. If these acids are allowed to remain on the teeth eventually tooth enamel begins to break down allowing decay to form.

Saliva is basically nothing but water; in fact it’s 99.5 percent water, but that last .5 percent contains numerous enzymes necessary for digestion and dental health. These electrolytes, antibacterial compounds and additional calcium and phosphate all work together to strengthen tooth enamel. Clinical studies have determined chewing sugarless gum after eating increases saliva production which in turn works to prevent tooth decay. Many dental care professionals believe there will soon be chewing gums available containing ingredients that could possibly remineralize teeth, reduce plaque and help gums repel gingivitis.

Curious if chewing gum could help your oral health? Make a note to talk with Dr. Ellis at your next appointment. Live around the St. Louis area and searching for a dentist for you and your family? Please give Ellis Dental a call today at 314.965.1334 for more information.

Caregiver Dental Tips

Ellis Dental Care Giver Dental Tips

From nursing homes to assisted living facilities and those faced with providing care for a family member suffering from Alzheimer’s or a developmental disability, tooth care frequently becomes a daily battle. Hopefully some of these smart suggestions can help.

• Dental hygiene doesn’t have to be confined to the bathroom. Often allowing a person to sit, especially in “their” special chair or some other place in the home or facility where they feel most comfortable is best.
• Frequently an Alzheimer’s patient has literally forgotten how to brush their teeth.  One effective method seems to be the “watch me” approach. Get your toothbrush, stand where the person can see you and then begin to brush your teeth. Often they will mimic your actions.
• If someone no longer has the ability to rinse and spit then oral dental swabs may be considered. Afterwards always attempt to rub the teeth and gums with moistened gauze to remove any sticky residue.
• Routine is very important so try to schedule dental care around the same time each day.
• Allow the person to hold their favorite stuffed animal or something else that soothes them. Play soft calming music. Add an element of fun to the procedure by creating a simple game or promising a special treat.
• Whether dealing with daily dental care or during mealtime, always watch for signs of discomfort such as refusing to eat certain foods, not wanting hot or cold liquids and/or facial expressions which indicate pain.
• If at all possible continue to help the person floss by using a floss threader or ask your dentist about special rinses if flossing is no longer an option.

Ellis Dental understands the special challenges caregivers face when it comes to the dental care of their loved ones. For additional tips or to discuss setting up an appointment, please call 314.965.1334 today. We’re here to help.

Causes of Tooth Sensitivity

Ellis Dental and Tooth Sensitivity

One day you’re enjoying your favorite ice cream and suddenly begin to feel discomfort. Or after brushing your teeth as you rinse your mouth with warm water you feel pain. Chances are pretty good you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity. While this mouth pain is annoying, it could also be a sign of a larger problem. Tooth sensitivity is caused by a wide variety of reasons, including:

• Brushing with too much force or with a hard bristle toothbrush and wearing down the tooth’s protective covering.
• Grinding your teeth. While the majority of time this occurs while you’re sleeping your dentist should be able to determine, based on the appearance of your teeth, if this is the problem.
• You use tooth whitening toothpaste or mouthwash. Many times these products contain alcohol and other chemicals which can cause tooth sensitivity.
• Not brushing or flossing on a regular basis until you have excessive plaque buildup which over time may cause tooth enamel to wear away. As the enamel disappears the teeth become more sensitive to temperature fluctuations.
• Old dental fillings can weaken allowing bacteria to build up. These bacteria can cause the enamel to break down creating sensitivity around the base of the tooth.
• Many times after a root canal, crown or tooth extraction the area around the tooth or socket will become sensitive. This type of sensitivity needs to be watched. If it continues you need to contact your dentist as this could be a sign of infection.
• A cracked tooth will also cause pain but in most cases that pain is much more severe than just average tooth sensitivity.

It is imperative if you suffer from constant dental pain to contact Ellis Dental and schedule an appointment. While more than likely your tooth sensitivity is caused by something easily corrected, we want to ensure nothing serious is occurring.

What Is Bruxism and How to Control It

Lately you’ve been waking up with a slight headache and occasionally a dull ache in your jaw. You keep taking ibuprofen until your bi-yearly dental appointment when you’re told all these symptoms are caused because you’re grinding your teeth. Known as bruxsim in the medical world, teeth grinding is extremely common and generally occurs at night while sleeping. Bruxism can be caused by a wide range of factors including a misaligned bite, missing teeth, stress or anxiety. Frequently people who have been diagnosed with sleep apnea are found to grind their teeth.

A visit to your dentist can determine if you suffer from bruxism. In addition to the head, jaw and neck pain, there can also be physical signs such as worn enamel and loose or cracked teeth. If left unchecked extreme cases of teeth grinding can cause TMD/TMJ and possibly even change the shape of your jaw.

Depending on the cause, bruxism can be treated or controlled through a variety of methods. Counseling, yoga, regular exercise or muscle relaxants are all proven methods of stress reduction. If you have previously been diagnosed or think you possibly have sleep apnea then talk to your doctor about a specific treatment plan to target this concern.

One of the best and most successful methods of dealing with teeth grinding comes from your dentist. At Ellis Dental, we custom form plastic mouth guard clenchers and grinders which are worn over the teeth while sleeping. These guards can help reduce tooth damage and ease jaw, neck and head pain.

Concerned you might have bruxism? Please call Ellis Dental today at 314-965-1334 to schedule an appointment. In addition to a custom mouth guard we can also discuss other methods to help you stop grinding your teeth.

Permanent Tooth Eruption Schedule

Recently we talked about when you should begin to see your child’s first teeth start to break through; now let’s discuss those all important permanent teeth. After the primary or baby teeth are all in, most Mom and Dads probably don’t give much thought as to when they should start to fall out and the permanent teeth begin to make an appearance. The first permanent teeth commonly start to come in around the age of 6 and they don’t erupt in the same order as the primary teeth. For example, generally the first baby teeth to come in are the lower and upper central incisors, better known as the front teeth. For the permanent teeth, both the top and bottom first molar will almost always emerge first, then the central incisors around the age of 7 and 8, followed by the lateral incisors between the ages of 8 and 9.

The canine teeth are next to show up but for some reason the bottom cuspid generally arrives when the child is around 9 or 10 while the top cuspid doesn’t make its debut until about a year later. Both the first and second premolars, or bicuspids, can push through anytime from the ages of 10 until the age of 12 and then look for the second molar between the ages of 12 and 13.

By the age of 14 most children will have 28 teeth and then the teeth take a break for several years until the emergence of the third set of molars or wisdom teeth. Anywhere from one to four wisdom teeth typically arrive between the ages of 17 to 25 i.e., the age of wisdom. Research has shown while approximately 95 percent of all adults eventually get wisdom teeth, 90 percent of these teeth will either be partially or totally impacted and almost always require oral surgery.

While your child’s teeth are coming in make sure they stay healthy by contacting Ellis Dental today to schedule a checkup. Depending on their age we can also look to see how those pesky wisdom teeth are doing.

Helpful Tips for Tooth Care in the New Year

If you’re like the majority of us at the beginning of the New Year you make resolutions concerning your physical health such as stopping smoking, beginning an exercise program and eating healthier. But what about your dental health? Experts say it only takes 21 days to form a habit so if you begin taking better care of your teeth today, by the end of the month these important tips will already be a part of your daily routine.

• Begin flossing once a day. There aren’t any hard and fast rules concerning the best time of the day to floss; just make sure you allot enough time to do the job properly.
• Limit sweets and starches. This might already be part of your losing weight resolution but did you know foods which contain large amounts of either or both can cause a greater build-up of plaque? If allowed to remain on and around the teeth, plaque causes gum irritation which can eventually lead to gum disease and possibly even tooth loss.
• Eat more fruits and vegetables. Fruits like apples and watermelon have higher water content which helps to wash away the natural sugars before they can turn into plaque. Plus the roughness of a carrot stick, apple slice or broccoli floret acts as a natural toothbrush, gently scrubbing away that nasty plaque causing bacteria.
• Remember the importance of both protein and calcium to help strengthen tooth enamel. Replace those sweet donuts and greasy chips with nuts. Add more lean protein such as skinless chicken, baked instead of fried. Substitute whole milk with the low or non-fat variety.
• Start the year out right by picking up the phone and scheduling your bi-yearly dental appointments. It is so important to see your dentist on a regular basis to keep any minor problems from turning into something major.

For the best in Crestwood dental care for your entire family please contact the caring staff at Ellis Dental today.

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Nothing Says Happy Holidays Like Cookies

One of the best things about this time of the year is when a group gets together and holds a cookie exchange. There is just something so festive about the entire experience of baking rich buttery cookies and then being able to share them with family, friends and co-workers. At a cookie exchange several years ago, Dr. Holly sampled these Chocolate Mint Cookies and they immediately became one of her favorite sweet treats. In addition to a super busy life of running her own dental practice and being the mother to two beautiful children, Dr. Holly still finds time to whip up a batch (or two) of those yummy cookies every holiday season.

While most of the time depending on the size of your family these cookies don’t last very long, if you do have a few left over just store in an airtight container. Don’t have time to bake throughout the year? Take one day to bake several batches and then freeze. Now you can enjoy these super tasty mint treats anytime you get a craving!

Chocolate Mint Cookies

• ¾ cup butter
• 1 ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp water
• 2 ½ cup flour
• 1 ¼ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp mint extract
• 36 Andes Mints

Combine butter, sugar and water over low heat until butter is melted. Add chocolate chips and stir constantly until the chips are melted. Add the mint extract and then cool for 10 minutes. While the mixture is cooling, combine dry ingredients in a small bowl and mix thoroughly.

Add the eggs to the wet mixture one at time, beating thoroughly. Add in the dry ingredients until well blended then chill the dough for at least one hour.

Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees.

Remove from fridge and now roll the dough into balls. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet approximately 2 inches apart and bake 8-10 minutes. Immediately upon removing the cookies from the oven gently press ½ of an Andes Mint on top of each cookie. After it melts carefully spread the mint over top of the cookie. This recipe makes approximately six dozen cookies.

Now try as hard as you can to let the cookies cool before beginning to eat them!

Everyone at Ellis Dental would like to wish you and yours a very Happy Holiday season. We will be closed on the 24th, 25th, and 26th so our staff can spend this joyous time of the year with their families. The office will reopen at 8AM Monday, December 29th for all your dental needs.

Does Coffee Really Erode Tooth Enamel?

Many leading oral hygiene manufacturers are now producing toothpastes which they market as being able to protect against enamel loss. That sounds like a pretty bold statement. Can these toothpastes really reverse or stop the damage? Tooth erosion generally occurs over a fairly long period of time unless there is an accident or injury that cracks the tooth. Many times erosion happens due to involuntary clenching or grinding of the teeth while sleeping and is often not detected until the enamel is badly damaged.

Deteriorating enamel is also caused by what we eat and drink. Certain foods and liquids leave an acid based plaque coating on the teeth. Then as we age and our saliva production decreases it becomes harder for these acids to be washed away. Red wine, coffee and tea are all liquids which both stain and weaken tooth enamel. Citrus drinks, such as orange juice, sodas; both diet and regular and some even sports drinks can easily cause erosion problems along with foods with a high sugar and starch content.

Research has determined those new enamel strengthening toothpastes can be beneficial but don’t actually rebuild the enamel in as much as they make the tooth’s surface more resilient. But it is important to remember just using a special toothpaste isn’t going to save your enamel. Limit consumption of acidic beverages and eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, especially apples, celery and carrots. These fibrous foods help with salvia production and work to clean plaque off the teeth.

When selecting a toothpaste, scientists agree any well formulated fluoride toothpaste will help make your enamel more acid resistant. Always choose a major brand name since more research and development has gone into crafting the correct formulation. Then also select a paste with a pleasing taste. If it doesn’t taste good, you won’t be as eager to brush for the prescribed two minutes twice a day.

Concerned about the condition of your enamel? Please schedule an appointment with Ellis Dental today.

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Are My Child’s Teeth Coming In On Schedule?

As parents we can’t wait for that first tooth to appear. But after those first two top and bottom teeth come in, most parents don’t really know when to start expecting to see the rest. It is important to have a general idea of when the remaining teeth should be erupting. Slow or no additional new teeth could be a warning sign to check for certain metabolic disorders. While teething can begin in babies as young as four months, generally the first tooth doesn’t show up until between the ages of eight to twelve months. Usually the two front bottom teeth come in first and then the top four front teeth are next. All of these teeth are called the central incisors.

ToothFairy

After the first teeth break through the gums the remaining twenty teeth slowly begin to fill in, again generally in pairs. The lateral incisors or side front teeth are next, followed by the first molars which are those back teeth that handle the majority of chewing. The pointy teeth, next to the front teeth, known as the canines will then appear; while the very back teeth or second molars are the last to come through. Most children will have all their primary or baby teeth by the time they are three years old. These teeth will stay in place for anywhere from a year to three years before starting to be replaced with the permanent teeth.

Front teeth or central incisors: 8 to 12 months Side front teeth or lateral incisors: 9 to 13 months First molars: 13 to 19 months Canines: 16 to 22 months Second molars: 25-33 months

It is important to take care of your child’s primary teeth even though they will only be with them for a couple of years. Good oral hygiene will keep the permanent teeth forming below the surface healthy. The experienced staff at Ellis Dental can assist in all your child’s dental health needs. Please contact us today for more information.

What are Porcelain Veneers?

Your teeth are healthy but due to a variety of reasons traditional whitening methods aren’t working. Or maybe in a friendly backyard football game one of your front teeth got slightly chipped or you have that one tooth that has always been just a little sideways compared to its mate on the other side of your mouth. These are all great reasons to consider porcelain veneers. Simply put, porcelain veneers are custom made porcelain shells bonded over the front of the tooth to change its color, shape, size or to mask chips or cracks. Porcelain veneers reflect light and resist staining better than a resin composite veneer, though the basic concept is still the same.

Applying dental veneers is a fairly simple process, requiring only two dental visits and a follow-up appointment. The first appointment is to prepare the tooth for the veneer by shaving off a thin layer of the natural enamel to accommodate the additional thickness of the veneer. A new popular option is a “prepless” veneer which requires no or minimal grinding of the tooth’s outer layer. A model of the tooth will then be taken so the actual veneer can be made.

After the veneer is constructed your dentist will ensure the shell is the right size, shape and color before cementing it to the natural tooth. A specialized curing light is used to activate the chemicals in the compound. Then any stray bits of cement are chipped away, your bite is checked and a follow-up appointment scheduled.

While veneers provide a very natural appearance it is important to remember the process is not reversible so don’t hesitate to discuss all options with your dentist before committing. Interested in learning if porcelain veneers are right for you? Please contact Ellis Dental today.

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Thanksgiving Weekend 2014

This time of year the biggest event in and around the St. Louis area is the Ameren Missouri Thanksgiving Day Parade. Now in its 30th year, this iconic St. Louis event will start promptly at 8:45AM, Thursday, November 27th. Beginning at the intersection of 7th and Market Street, the parade will head west on Market to Union Station where it will culminate at Aloe Plaza and 20th Street. The 2014 parade will feature over 130 floats, some providing live entertainment, oversized helium balloon characters, live animals, marching bands, clowns, beauty queens and so much more! Rounding out the end of the parade is good ole St. Nick himself, riding in to officially begin the holiday season and wish everyone a Merry Christmas. As always, you are encouraged to come downtown early to pick out the best seats for viewing. Or if you’d rather enjoy the parade from the comfort of your own living room, it will be broadcast on KMOV Channel 4’s “Great Day St. Louis.”

Friday November 28th kicks off the seasonal Wild Lights at the St. Louis Zoo. This annual event runs evenings through January 3rd. As always there will be hundreds of thousands of holiday lights both in displays as well as strung throughout the entire Zoo for you and your family to ooh and ahh over.

Some of the most popular displays for 2014 will include:

• Arctic Wonderland
• Snowfall Flurry Walk
• Gingerbread Village
• Swan Lake

Wild Lights tickets also include admission to the Charles H. Hoessle Herpetarium and the Monsanto Insectarium. After enjoying all the gorgeous lights take a spin on the Conservation Carousel then stop by Lakeside Café for hot chocolate and a snack.

Ellis Dental would like to wish all our clients a very Happy Thanksgiving. We will be closing at 2PM on Wednesday and closed all day on Thursday so our staff can enjoy the long holiday weekend with family and friends.

Wouldn’t be Thanksgiving Without the Pie

Family traditions are what make the holidays so special. For Ellis Dental appointment coordinator, Nicole Frazier one of her favorite traditions is the dessert table featuring three special pies: chocolate, pumpkin and almond. Since Nicole believes it really isn’t fall until she begins seeing all things pumpkin, it’s no surprise that the pumpkin pie is her all time favorite. We’re featuring Nicole’s classic pumpkin pie recipe in case you’d like to include it with your Thanksgiving menu this year. Hopefully you and your family will enjoy it as much as Nicole and her family do and will want to add it to your traditional holiday menu for many years to come.

Nicole’s Classic Pumpkin Pie

For the filling you’ll need the following:

• ¾ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 ¾ tsp pumpkin pie spice
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 (12 oz.) can of evaporated low-fat milk
• 2 egg whites from large eggs
• 1 large egg
• 1 (15 oz.) can of unsweetened pumpkin

If you are really ambitious you can make your own crust or just do what her family does and use:

• ½ (15 oz.) package of refrigerated pie dough, like Pillsbury
• Cooking spray

Begin by preheating the oven to 425 degrees.

Now prepare the filling by combining the first six ingredients in a large bowl. Mix well with a wire whisk. After those ingredients are well blended, add the pumpkin and stir until smooth.

Roll the crust out into an 11 inch circle. Spray a 9 inch pie pan with the cooking spray and then carefully mold the pie crust into the bottom and sides of the pie pan. Fold the edges under and flute.

Pour the pumpkin mixture into the crust and put the pie plate on a baking sheet to contain any spills. Bake on the lowest oven rack at 425 degrees for 10 minutes. Then immediately reduce the temperature to 350 degrees. Do not remove the pie or open the oven door while changing temperatures. Continue to bake for an additional 50 minutes or until the middle of the filling is almost set. Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack.

Topping

• ¼ cup whipping cream
• 1 tbsp amaretto
• 2 tsp powdered sugar

Beat the whipping cream with a mixer at high speed until stiff peaks form. Then add the amaretto and powdered sugar and continue to beat until blended.

Once the pie is completely cooled, put a large dollop of topping on each piece of pie and ENJOY!!