Pecan Pie

Recipe By: Calphalon Team  -  Originally Published: 10/21/2011

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The oldest known pecan pie recipe dates back to 1925. The pie was actually popularized by the company that made corn syrup, which is the secondmost known ingredient, after the pecans. The pecan tree is the only nut tree that is native to North America. It was a major food source in the Fall, long before the colonists arrived. Drizzling chocolate over the baked and cooled pie will satisfy those who simply must have chocolate with their pecan pie.

  • Servings: Serves 6 - 8
  • Prep Time: Less than 30 Minutes
  • Cook Time: Less than 60 Minutes
  • Level: Intermediate
  • Course: Dessert

Ingredients

The Pastry Crust
(Makes two 9-inch pie crusts)
2-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp. salt
2/3 cup unsalted butter, cold
1/2 cup shortening, cold
8-10 Tbsp. ice water

The Filling
2 eggs
1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
1 cup corn syrup
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold
1-1/2 tsp. vanilla
2/3 tsp. salt
2/3 cup pecan halves
4 oz. dark chocolate, melted 

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F.

The Pastry Crust
Sift the flour and salt together into a medium-size mixing bowl. Add the butter and shortening. Combine the flour, salt, butter and shortening with a fork or with your fingers. Cut the shortening into the flour with a fork or pastry blender until the mixture begins to form “pea-size” pieces. Add the ice water a few tablespoons at a time and combine by tossing with a fork. Add more water as needed so that the dough is moist enough to hold together in the shape of a ball. Divide the dough in half, form into two discs. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap; refrigerate one disc for at least 30 minutes. Freeze the remaining dough for later use.

Remove the dough from the refrigerator. Dust a rolling pin lightly with flour and roll the dough out to form a 10-inch diameter circle about 1/4-inch thick. Lay the pastry into a 9" ceramic pie plate and trim to fit. Place in the freezer and allow to firm for about 20 minutes. Remove the pan from the freezer, line the pastry with foil and fill with pie weights or dried beans to prevent the dough from bubbling as it bakes. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove pie weights and bake for another 10 minutes or until golden. Allow the pie shell to cool.

Toast pecans in a jelly roll pan or on a cookie sheet until shiny and fragrant. Be careful not to overcook.

In a medium-size mixing bowl, beat the eggs lightly. Add the brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, vanilla and salt. Mix well. Fill the pastry shell with the toasted pecans and pour the egg mixture over the pecans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the filling sets. Remove the pie from the oven and cool for one hour. Melt the chocolate in a double boiler. When the chocolate is completely melted, drizzle over the tart.

Recipe was created especially for the Cooking with Calphalon 9" Ceramic Pie Plate.