Everyone loves pumpkin pie during the holidays—especially with some creative pizzazz! Use a pastry bag fitted with a star tip to dress up a plain pie with an easy-to-make meringue.

Toasted Meringue-Topped Pumpkin Pie

Just before serving, combine water, 1/3 cup ultrafine sugar, meringue powder, cream of tartar and vanilla extract in a deep medium bowl.

Beat with an electric mixer on medium until soft peaks form (tips curl). Add remaining 1/3 cup ultrafine sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating on high until stiff peaks form (tips stand straight).

Spoon meringue mixture into a pastry bag fitted with a large star-shape piping tip. Pipe mixture onto pumpkin pie. Using a kitchen torch, toast meringue until golden. Garnish with chocolate espresso beans, if desired.