Pecan Pie in 5 Easy Steps

The holidays aren't quite complete without having a traditional pecan pie on your dessert table. This rich delicacy is most often served between Thanksgiving and New Year's and is a long-held Southern favorite. From modest kitchens to four-star restaurants, generations of great cooks have presented pecan pie as a memorable close to a meal among friends and family.

Nothing compares with the sensation of breaking into that crispy nut topping to unearth a gooey, luscious filling cradled in a light crust. And it's so simple to make. This classic recipe uses only seven ingredients and you can make it in five easy steps.

Ingredients
1 refrigerated piecrust shell
1 cup light corn syrup
3/4cup granulated sugar
1/3cup butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
4 eggs, beaten
11/2 cups pecan halves

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325 F.
2. Line 9-inch pie plate with pastry shell; crimp edges.
3. For filling, in medium saucepan combine corn syrup, sugar and butter. Cook over low heat stirring until sugar dissolves and butter melts. Remove from heat, cool slightly.
4. Add eggs and vanilla; stir well to combine. Stir in pecan halves.
5. Pour filling into pastry shell. Bake 55 60 minutes or until knife inserted near center comes out clean. Remove from oven; cool completely before serving.

Recipe courtesy of Fisher Nuts

The pecan is one of the few tree nuts indigenous to North America and the United States produces about 80 percent of the world's pecan crop. Pecans are not only tasty, they are loaded with antioxidants and 19 vitamins and minerals. Pecans are certified by the American Heart Association's "Heart Check" program. Scientific research and respected authorities agree that eating just a handful of pecans each day may help lower the risk of heart disease.

The National Pecan Shellers Association offers healthy, delicious, chef-inspired recipes for the holidays from pecan pie to snacks, appetizers, soups and salads. Shelled pecans also make a wonderful gift. Pack fresh pecans in decorative tins or jars. Or give toasted pecans, tossed in butter or a blend of herbs and spices.

Stock up early. Buy your pecans from local shellers and growers for the best prices and you'll also be supporting your area's economy. To learn more about this amazing, versatile food, visit www.ilovepecans.org.

SOURCE National Pecan Shellers Association

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