For the crust, pulse flour, pecans, salt and sugar in a food processor until pecans are finely ground.

Add shortening and pulse until almost combined, then add 3 tablespoons ice water and pulse until just blended.

Gather dough into two balls then press each into a disc. Wrap each in plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours until firm.

When ready to make the pie, set one disc out at room temperature for 15 minutes to soften slightly.

On a floured surface, roll out dough into a 10- to 11-inch circle and carefully transfer to a 9-inch pie plate.

Crimp edges as desired; chill until ready to use. (Reserve remaining pie dough for another use.)

Preheat the oven to 400°F.

For the filling, blend tofu in a food processor until creamy and smooth.

Add pumpkin, sugar, 1/4 cup of the syrup, vanilla, salt, cinnamon, ginger and cloves and purée until smooth; set aside.

Reserve 8 pecan halves as a garnish then toss remaining pecans with remaining 2 tablespoons syrup and arrange evenly on the bottom of the pie shell.

Pour pumpkin filling into pie shell and bake until just set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 1 hour.

Set pie aside to let cool completely then top with non-dairy topping, if you like, and decorate with reserved pecans.