Warm up to the World Championship Pie Eating contest!

Here, in case you haven't yet eaten one, is the start to a pumpkin pie, in honor of the US Thanksgiving celebration (Canadians had theirs in October). The pumpkin is from the garden, has a wonderfully nutty taste and was steamed for 30 minutes. Later today it will serve as the heart of the pie.

And here, if you can face it after your Thanksgiving feast, is a story about the new rules for the World Championship Pie Eating contest. You have a month to prepare yourself, and I suspect today's main meal might be just the start you need. Good luck, all future contestants. I'd go for pumpkin pie.