Pecan Pie

Pecan Pie 

July 12: National Pecan Pie Day

Pecan pie is often associated with fall and winter holidays, such as Thanksgiving and Christmas, instead of the middle of the summer. But this classic comfort food can be enjoyed year-round. The dessert is a staple in the southern U.S.A. and was thought to have originated by the French who settled in New Orleans, Louisiana, after the Native Americans introduced them to pecans. Variations include chocolate or whiskey in the pie recipe, but we make ours the traditional and easy way. Prepare pecan pie and observe the special food holiday of National Pecan Pie Day.

Recipe

(Adapted from Pecan Pie Recipes)

Ingredients

  • 1 ¼ – 1 ½ cups (6 ounces) pecans, chopped
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 cup sugar, granulated white
  • 1 cup light or dark corn syrup
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 9-inch pie crust/shell, frozen and unbaked

Directions

In a mixing bowl, lightly beat the eggs. Mix in the sugar. Pour in the corn syrup.

Pecan Pie

In a microwavable measuring cup, place the butter and cover with plastic wrap/film. Microwave until melted. Set aside to cool slightly. Mix the melted butter with the previous ingredients. Stir in the vanilla. Mix in the pecans.

Pecan Pie

Pour the filling into the pie crust. Place on a cookie sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for an hour. Foil or pie crust shields may be used to prevent overbrowning of the edges. Remove from the oven and set on a wire rack to cool completely. The soft-set warm filling will firm up when cool. Slice into wedges and serve.

Pecan Pie

Notes

  • Make mini versions of pecan pies by preparing pecan tassies. The tiny tarts are cute to eat and a sweet treat!
  • Search our blog for other recipes containing pecans as an ingredient.

Sweet Potato Pie

Sweet Potato Pie

February: Sweet Potato Month

As Valentine’s Day draws near, February focuses on sweethearts—and sweet potatoes! Islander follows the old adage that a way to her man’s heart is through his stomach and makes a southern-style staple as a dessert for Highlander. So she bakes a sweet potato pie for her sweetie pie! Instead of peeling, boiling and mashing sweet potatoes, this recipe is made even easier and quicker by using a canned casserole. Sweet potato pie is considered food for the soul—classic and comforting, it is a heartwarming treat to make and eat during Sweet Potato Month.

Recipe

(Adapted from Glory Foods)

Ingredients

  • 1 can (15 ounces) mashed sweet potatoes (we used Glory Foods brand sweet potato casserole)
  • 3 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup sweetened condensed milk (not quite a full 14-ounce can)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 9-inch deep dish pie crust/shell, raw and frozen

Directions

In a microwavable measuring cup, melt the butter and set aside to cool slightly. In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sweetened condensed milk. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Sweet Potato Pie

Add the melted butter. Stir in the cornstarch. Then mix in the mashed sweet potatoes until the batter is smooth. Pour into the pie crust.

Sweet Potato Pie

Place on a cookie sheet and bake in the center of a preheated oven at 400 degrees F for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven, place foil or pie crust shields around the rim of the pie, return to the oven and bake at a reduced heat of 300 degrees F for another 40 minutes. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center of the pie (it should come out clean; if not, bake for another 5-10 minutes). Remove from the oven and cool the pie completely. Slice into 6-8 wedges and serve with a dollop of whipped cream (optional).

Sweet Potato Pie

Notes

  • Draw a heart on the sweet potato pie using the nozzle of canned whipped cream for a festive and fun Valentine’s food.
  • Search our blog for other recipes containing sweet potatoes as an ingredient.
  • Search our blog for more pie recipes.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie

Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie

January 24: National Peanut Butter Day

Islander and her brother often travel together to attend work-related conferences because they are in the same field. On one of their trips, the weary travelers walked to a restaurant near their hotel and quickly devoured their dinner. But they also wanted to eat something sweet afterwards. They split a chocolate peanut butter pie—oh my! It was a deliciously decadent and terrific treat after a long day of traveling.

Upon her return home, Islander searched online for a simple recipe for chocolate peanut butter pie. She found a basic recipe that allowed her to add creative combinations of toppings of her choice (see the Notes below for other decorating ideas), although it is perfect as a plain pie, too.

On National Peanut Butter Day, give chocolate peanut butter pie a try!

Recipe

(Adapted from The Pioneer Woman)

Ingredients

  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 (8 ounces) bar cream cheese, softened
  • 1 ¼ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 container (8 ounces) non-dairy whipped topping (Cool Whip)
  • chocolate pie crust (we used Keebler brand Ready-Crust)

Directions

Cream together the peanut butter and cream cheese. Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until well blended. Stir in the non-dairy whipped topping until light and fluffy.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie

Pour into the chocolate pie crust. Use a spatula to smooth out the top. Refrigerate for an hour or until firm. Decorate as desired.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie

Notes

  • Make this chocolate peanut butter pie pretty by sprinkling chocolate curls/chips and peanut butter baking morsels, drizzling melted chocolate or peanut butter or adding crushed peanuts or chopped chocolate peanut butter candies (such as Reese’s brand) on top.
  • Search our blog for more recipes containing peanut butter.