Pecan Pie

Pecan Pie

Pecan pie is a sweet custard pie made primarily of pecans and corn syrup. It is popularly served at holiday meals and is also considered a specialty of Southern U.S. cuisine. Most pecan pie recipes include salt and vanilla as flavorings. Other ingredients such as chocolate and bourbon whiskey are popular additions to the recipe. Pecan pie is often served with whipped cream.

Texas Pecan Pie

In Texas, the second-biggest pecan producing state in the United States (after Georgia), pecan pie is a tradition that began in the 1880s and 1890s. Two historical recipes follow.

From Harper's Bazaar and reprinted in Texas Siftings, both published February 6, 1886:

1. PECAN PIE

The pecans must be very carefully hulled, and the meat thoroughly freed from any bark or husk. When ready, throw the nuts into boiling milk, and let them boil while you are preparing a rich custard. Have your pie plates lined with good pastry and when the custard is ready, strain the milk from the nuts and add them to the custard. A meringue may be added, if liked, but very careful baking is necessary.

2. Texas Pecan Pie

One cup sugar, one cup sweet milk, one-half cup pecan kernels chopped fine, three eggs, one tablespoonful flour. When cooked spread the well-beaten whites of two eggs on the top, brown and sprinkle a few of the chopped kernels over it. Above is for one pie.