Pumpkin Dessert Squares

Ingredients

• 1 3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs

• 1 1/3 cups sugar, divided

• 1/2 cup melted margarine

• 5 eggs

• 1 cheese, softened (8 oz package)

• 2 cups mashed pumpkin (16 ounce can)

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 1/2 cup milk

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

• 1 envelope unflavored gelatin

• 1/4 cup water

Method

Combine graham cracker crumbs and 1/3 cup sugar in a mixing bowl, stir in margarine, mixing well. Press evenly in bottom of a 13 by 9 inch baking pan. Combine 2 beaten eggs, 3/4 cup sugar, and cream cheese; beat until fluffy. Pour over crust. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes. Combine pumpkin, 3 egg yolks, brown sugar, milk, salt and cinnamon in a double boiler. (I just used a regular pan); cook stirring constantly until thickened (about 5 - 10 minutes). Sprinkle gelatin over 1/4 cup water in a small mixing bowl; stir to dissolve gelatin. Stir into pumpkin mixture; cool. Beat 3 egg whites until foamy; gradually add 1/4 cup sugar, and beat until stiff. Fold into pumpkin mixture. Pour over baked mixture. Refrigerate. Cut into squares, top with Cool Whip if desired.

Serves 12 to 15 servings.

Submitted by: Frances J. Gough who says

"My husband likes this better than pumpkin pie!"