When you think of nuts, almonds and cashews are probably some of the first examples that come to mind (along with peanuts, even though these are actually legumes rather than true nuts). Pecans sometimes get left off the list, which is a shame, as they’re pretty impressive. Seriously, you don’t just get plenty of protein […]
Bourbon Maple Pecan Pie with Homemade Pie Crust
Growing up in the Southern United States, pecan pie was something of a staple. Everybody made it during the holidays, and I grew tired of it quickly! Overly sweet, the savory deliciousness of the pecans got lost in a sea of sugar. This recipe is much more balanced, and uses the milder maple syrup in place of the extra-strong corn syrup which is usually used with abandon.
I like to toast my pecans lightly before adding them in, but that is just a personal preference. I also call here to blend them until they are finely ground– I find this adds a lovely texture to the final pie where the custard sets on top and the ground pecans form a delicious layer in the bottom of the crust.
Pear & Pecan Crumble Pie
This delicious, delicate pie is a sweet homage to my favorite fall fruit, pears. If you can find a mix of pears that are seasonally available in your area, all the better! Otherwise, choose the best baking pears you can find and slice them very thinly!
If you’re worried about them being underripe, simply place them in a paper bag with another ripe fruit such as a banana or apple, and wait a couple days for them to ripen along! Your other alternative is to caramelize up to half of the pears called for in the recipe, and fold the raw ones in to the cooked. But if you want to take the simple route, follow the recipe as-is and you should have a lovely pear pie either way!
Quick Milk Chocolate Pecan Brownie with Bourbon Whipped Cream
There is always room for more chocolate desserts, I have always said, and I have a treasure trove of chocolate recipes in my files that I love and even more still to test and add to the list! A brownie is one of my all-time quick favorites, and this one is a nice and elegant version, not too dense and not too fluffy.
I like mixing chocolates, and this recipe is delicious with a milk chocolate base and chunks of dark chocolate folded in. Feel free to play around with the things you add in, if you like orange chocolate or hazelnuts those are great combinations also! Play around with this recipe and let it be your base for whatever your add-in imagination runs with.