At the risk of alienating a few hundred Southern friends, family members, and culinary historians, I’m not about to proclaim what does and does not constitute genuine Southern pecan pie. Should the pecans be throughout the filling or just on top of the pie? Can both sugar and corn syrup be used as sweeteners? And what about substituting molasses or sorghum for the corn syrup? Must the batter be mixed only with a wooden spoon for the right texture, or does an electric mixer suffice? Like most Southerners, I firmly believe that pecan pie should be made only with fresh in-season pecans (not those half-rancid nuts sold in cans and cellophane packages), and I’m pretty adamant about my pecan pie not being cloyingly sweet, the way so many are. Furthermore, I always give guests the option of plopping dollops of whipped cream on their wedges, but I’m personally convinced that’s only gilding one very beautiful lily that needs no adornment.–James Villas
LC What He Said Note
We’ve nothing to add to what James Villas just said about this being a proper pecan pie, other than that we enthusiastically endorse what he said.
Southern Pecan Pie Recipe
Ingredients
- For the pie crust
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for the work surface
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (4 ounces) vegetable shortening, lard, butter, or margarine, plus more for the pie plate
- 4 to 7 tablespoons ice water, as needed
- For the pecan pie
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups light corn syrup
- 1 1/2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons (2 ounces) unsaltd butter, melted
- 2 cups pecan halves
- Whipped cream, for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Make the pie crust
- 1. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt, and then cut in the shortening with a pastry cutter or 2 knives until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Mixing with a wooden spoon, gradually add enough of the water so that a ball of dough is formed. You’ll probably need at least 4 tablespoons ice water and perhaps more. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap the dough in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 1 day.
- 2. Butter a 9- or 10-inch pie plate. Place the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface and, with a lightly floured rolling pin, roll the dough out from the center to a 1/8-inch thickness. Carefully fold the pastry in half, lay the fold across the center of the prepared pie plate, unfold it, and press it loosely into the bottom and sides of the plate. Prick the bottom and sides with a fork, trim and crimp the edges, and place on a heavy rimmed baking sheet.
- Make the pecan pie
- 3. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- 4. In a large bowl, beat the eggs with an electric mixer till frothy. Add the corn syrup, flour, vanilla, and salt, and beat till well blended. Stir in the butter and pecans and mix well.
- 5. Pour the mixture into the pie shell and bake till the filling is cooked but still soft in the center when the pie is gently shaken, 50 to 65 minutes. Cool the pie completely on a rack and then chill slightly. Slice and serve the pie with a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.
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Naomi Shulman
Apr 26, 2007
This pie is extraordinarily simple and quick to prepare, and it has a perfect balance of flavors. It isn’t overly sweet, and the subtle vanilla custard goes beautifully with the pecan topping. It's ideal for the holiday season. I’ll be adding it as a new Thanksgiving favorite.