When you talk about Thanksgiving dessert, the first thing that comes to mind is pie. Pumpkin pie, of course, and apple pie, sure. We’re a bit pumpkin-ed out after Halloween, and apple pie seems a bit, well, boring! But a crunchy, sweet and meaty gourmet pecan pie recipe, now that’s something that gets our culinary gears churning. This Southern classic is always delicious, but we were astounded to find out that pecans are also really nutritious! Read on!
Delicious anyway you slice it! Pecan Pie by Angela . Photo by: Angela at Unexpected Elegance
Pecans are yummy, yes, but they’re also heart healthy, rich in Omega 6 fatty acids and a good source of protein and unsaturated fats. Studies even show that eating pecans may delay age-related muscle degeneration. This Thanksgiving pecan pie recipe makes it so you can have your pie and eat it too. Your heart will also be thankful.
Thanksgiving Pecan Pie Recipe Tips & Trips
- For choosing pecans with shells: look for clean shells with no blemishes or cracks
- If you shake it and it rattles, then roll. It shouldn’t rattle!
- Pecans have more moisture and spoil more easily, so double-bag any leftover and store in the fridge (3 months) or freezer (6 months)
- For toasted pecans, bake in the oven at 350F for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally
- Make ahead: bake your gourmet pecan pie fully and freeze, up to a week. Then thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to serve
- Pretty as pecan pie: decorate the crust by marking the edge with a fork using a crosshatch pattern
Want to give pecan pie a try? To help you out, we’re sharing a delicious (and easy!) Pecan Pie recipe by Angela of Unexpected Elegance. For this Texas native, raised amongst pecan trees, Pecan Pie is as American (if not more!) than apple pie. Her recipe (below), is delicious and easy to follow, which leaves you with more time to spend with your family. Visit Angela’s blog for her full Pecan Pie post, plus more recipes, fun diy home projects and crafty lifestyle tricks. Thanks Angela!
A generous amount of meaty chopped pecans is the secret to equally delicious slices. Photo by: Angela at Unexpected Elegance.