OK, I finally tried George Washington's Baked Whole Pumpkin. It was really easy to make (after cleaning the pumpkin) - just mix most everything up and pour it in.

But I had a hard time figuring out when it was ready to come out of the oven, as it wasn't really getting a custard-like texture (too wet).

Finally I did take it out, when it seemed like it had firmed up enough not to be soupy. BUT - when I dug into the filling with a spoon, I discovered that it had separated into two distinct layers (about 1/2 and 1/2 of the pumkin, volume-wise).

The bottom layer was almost jello-like in texture, but opaque off-white (I guess from the cream and egg). The upper layer was brown and spicy, with the sugar and spices in it - but not jello-like.

I did think I mixed up the ingredients well enough, using a hand-mixer.

Any thoughts on what could have gone wrong? It really seems like it will be delicious and have a great presentation, if I can get it right.

(Thanks so much!) <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I apologize for taking so long to get back in here. After my husbands triple bypass it seems like everything has been crazy around here. I don't know what could have gone wrong. There are so many variables in cooking. Was the oven preheated? I'm going to have to experiment with this recipe more and see how things go after several bakings. I hope you were able to figure that out before now.. again I apologize for not getting back in here in a while. Deborah