Pie 4: Simple yet Complex Pecan

Pie 4: I like my pie like I like my men, Rich!

The ever so anticipated cold season is here. (If you can stand needles, get your shots!) For some, the flu season is easily avoided with proper dieting and sleep. However, some individuals live with teachers who bring home every airborne illness and disease known to man! Therefore, sometimes even with the proper precautions and flu shots it's just unavoidable. Thankfully this weeks pie has some beneficial ammo to help fight away those nasty cold flus.

Granted making a cold flu fighting pie might sounds like a great reason to make a pie, the main reason I decided on this pie this week was because of it's simplicity. October tends to be a busy month for most people, whether it's keeping up with the kid's football games, taking a trip to Paris, or being overwhelmed with the joy of landed a new job. The best part about this pie is that the simplicity of it doesn't mask the complexity of it's taste. Another great aspect is that you don't have to make the crust, and no one will ever know after you doctor it! The pie takes less then 30 minutes to whip up, and then all you have to do is wait for it to cook. This is truly "Time Well Spent."

My two friends, Tony and Warner Willbur Johnston III, were in London and Paris this week and before they left they decided to plan a dinner party at my house the night of their return. It's so nice coming home to food and great pie awaiting your arrival. Granted these two nuts are great friends who'd never take advantage, it was my pleasure to make Warner Willbur Johnston III his favorite pie. After the pie was finished baking and the smell of pecan lingered for hours, I knew that these two would clearly be "tickled pink."

Did you know the benefits of Pecans?

Pecans are known to have the highest levels of antioxidants then any other nut. Since antioxidants are the things that help fight off diseases, flu bugs, and aging it's important to consume them like candy. On top of their high antioxidant level, they also are packed with potassium, fiber, zinc, vitamin E and calcium. Sounds like to me that if you eat a handful of pecans a day you don't even need your multivitamin! However, I'm not a doctor so what do i know?

Simple yet Complex Pecan Pie:

Out of Time Pie Crust:
1 Pillsbury pie crust
1 tsp sugar
1 Tbsp heavy cream
1/2 tsp vanilla

Roll out a Pillsbury pie crust on a lightly floured surface. Place in pie pan and flute edges. In a small bowl whisk the sugar, heavy cream and vanilla together. With a basting brush, brush over the top of the crust. Transfer pie crust and pan in freezer for 30 minutes.

Pecan Filling:
1 cup sugar
3 Tbsp butter, melted in microwave
1/2 cup dark corn syrup
4 large eggs, beaten together
2 1/2 cups pecans
2 Tbsp of bourbon/Scotch (Crown Royal Recommended)

Preheat Oven to 375. In a large bowl cream the butter and sugar. Once blended add the corn syrup, eggs, pecan and bourbon. Stir well until combined. Pour the filling into the frozen pie shell. Place in oven for 10 minutes, then lower temp to 350 and cook for an additional 45 minutes. Allow the pie to cool for an hour before cutting into it.

The best way to enjoy this pie, according to my friend Dawn, is accompanied with homemade vanilla bean ice cream. If you don't have ice cream, freshly whipped cream or homemade caramel sauce drizzled over the top is just as great! (Caramel recipe on September 27, 2009 blog, "Caramel Sauce Layer.")

Cheers!