Pecan pie, a sweet pie prepared with pecan nuts and corn syrup is a Southern US specialty dish usually served during holidays. It possesses a crunchy and powdery crust of butter pie, bittersweet taste, caramel resembling flavor and a flowy filling. The pecan pie recipecan be changed with optional twists and the popular variations of this pie are- Apple Pecan Pie, Jack Daniels Chocolate Pecan Pie, Southern Pecan Pie, Pecan Pumpkin Pie and Sweet Potato Pecan Pie.
History of Pecan Pie Recipe
Pecan pie is believed to have been originated in the French settlement at New Orleans although there is no documented evidence to claim the same. The recipe can be attributed to the naturally thriving pecan trees in the American subcontinent which were harnessed by the French or other European migrants for incorporating into food -particularly the desserts. In the early 20th century, the corn syrup or Karo became widely used in the pie recipe. The earliest recipeis believed to have been found in 1925.
Ingredients Used and Popular Methods of Preparation in Pecan Pie Recipe
Pecan pie can be made in two stages-baking of the crust and the baking of the crust with the filling.
Flour, little salt, granulated sugar, butter and ice water are the commonly used ingredients to make the crust. The ingredients are mixed to form dough which is chilled and rolled into a round shape. The edges of the rolled dough are decorated simply using instruments such as fork, knife, etc. The rolled dough can be refrigerated further so that it sets in the shape well. For making the filling, corn syrup, molasses or brown sugar and butter are heated in a pan slightly and mixed with beaten eggs, cream and a little salt. Pecans are spread over the refrigerated pastry crust and topped with the filling mixture. This is placed in the oven and baked until the pie turns golden brown. Thereafter the pie is removed and cooled for a few hours to be able to serve.
Serving and Eating Pecan Pies
Pecan pie can be served along with whipped cream and flavored whipped creams such as maple whipped cream are served along with the pie. The pies are widely served and had during Christmas holidays and Thanksgiving occasions in Southern United States.
Popular Pecan Pie RecipeVariations
· Apple Pecan Pie is a two layered pie consisting of apples tossed in a mixture of nutmeg, sugar, flour, lime juice and cinnamon in one layer and pecan filling in another layer. The pie sealed with another round of rolled dough unlike the regular pie and is inverted for being served.
· Black Bottom Pecan Pie is characterized by its chocolate bottom and the inclusion of vanilla extract which yields a sweet taste to the pie.
· Bourbon Pecan Pie includes bourbon in the pie filling and is ideally served to adults after a formal dinner or special meal.
· Chocolate Caramel Pecan Pie possesses acreamy pecan pie crust with filling rich with pecans, whipped cream, chocolate, vanilla and caramels. It can be made and served during any time of the year particularly during brunches or large gatherings and dinner get-togethers.
· Caramel pecan pies are made using wrapped caramels with pecans and commonly served with ice cream or beverages such as coffee.
· Texas Pecan Pie is a thick pie made using cane syrup, brown sugar and heavy cream in addition to the regular ingredients.
· Jack Daniel's Chocolate Pecan Pie served during special occasions, is rich with the flavor of Kentucky bourbon and chocolate morsels.
· Coffee pecan pie is a variation made with the infusion of strong coffee along with the regular filling ingredients in the pie.
· Pumpkin Pecan Pie is a two layered pie consisting of canned pumpkin, cinnamon and cloves in addition to the regular filling ingredients.
· Fudge pecan pie additionally incorporates unsweetened chocolate and margarine in the filling and has a characteristic a buttery feel.
· Coconut Pecan pie is made by using toasted pecans and toasted desiccated coconut in the filling.
Pecan pie muffins, pecan pie cookies and pecan pie cakes are also variations of the pie.
There can be variations in the making of the pie crust and a buttery pie crust can be obtained by mixing pastry flour with a little salt, sugar and water. A sweet pie crust can be obtained by mixing pastry flour with a very little salt, more sugar and water. The classic and common pie crust is made by mixing flour, salt, shortening and cold water.
Pecan Pie Recipe: Trivia
Pecan pie is referred to in literary contexts particularly in the American literature where it is linked to Christmas and Thanksgiving. Fannie Flagg, Frances Mayes and Jan Karon are the authors who have made references to this pie in their writings.