Pumpkin-Praline Custards

Preheat oven to 325°.

To prepare the custards, combine first 9 ingredients in a bowl; stir well with a whisk. Divide the pumpkin mixture evenly among 6 (6-ounce) custard cups coated with cooking spray. Place cups in a 13 x 9-inch baking pan; add hot water to pan to a depth of 1 inch. Bake at 325° for 50 minutes or until a knife inserted in center comes out clean. Remove the cups from pan, and cool completely on a wire rack. Cover and chill for at least 3 hours.

To prepare the praline, combine 1/4 cup sugar and water in a small skillet. Cook over medium-high heat for 4 minutes or until golden, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat, and stir in pecans. Immediately scrape the pecan mixture onto a baking sheet coated with cooking spray, spreading evenly; cool completely. Break praline into small pieces. Sprinkle over custards.

Substituting soy milk for dairy milk in custards and puddings is a tasty way to increase beneficial soy protein in your diet. A crunchy topping of crumbled praline adds a festive touch to this homey dessert, but it's just as good without. Each serving contains 3.5 grams of soy protein.