🥧 Angie’s Easy Pecan Pie 🥧
Pecan pie is a classic Southern dessert that’s known for its sweet and gooey filling packed with pecans. It’s a popular treat, especially during the holiday season. Let’s dive into Angie’s Easy Pecan Pie, its history, components, preparation steps, and the time needed to make it.
History of Pecan Pie:
Pecan pie’s exact origin is debated, but it’s widely believed to have originated in the Southern United States, with early recipes dating back to the late 19th century. Pecans, a native North American nut, were used by Indigenous peoples before European settlers incorporated them into their culinary traditions. Pecan pie likely evolved from similar pie recipes in the region, and it gained widespread popularity in the 20th century.
Components of Pecan Pie:
- Pie Crust: Typically, you’ll need a pre-made or homemade pie crust, either traditional or graham cracker, to form the base of the pie.
- Pecans: The star of the show! Pecans are the key ingredient and provide the distinct nutty flavor and crunch.
- Filling: The filling consists of ingredients like eggs, corn syrup, sugar, butter, and vanilla extract. This mixture gives pecan pie its rich, sweet, and sticky texture.
Steps to Prepare Angie’s Easy Pecan Pie:
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Prepare the Pie Crust:
- If using a pre-made crust, follow the package instructions for pre-baking.
- For a homemade crust, combine flour, salt, and cold butter. Cut the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. Add ice water, mix until it forms a dough, then chill, roll out, and fit it into a pie dish. Crimp the edges decoratively.
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Prepare the Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together 3 large eggs, 1 cup of corn syrup, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of melted butter, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until well combined.
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Add Pecans:
- Gently fold in 1 ½ cups of pecan halves into the filling mixture.
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Pour Into Crust:
- Pour the pecan filling into the prepared pie crust.
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Bake:
- Place the pie in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 50-60 minutes or until the filling is set. It should have a slight jiggle in the center when gently shaken.
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Cool:
- Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack. It will continue to set as it cools.
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Serve:
- Once cooled, slice and serve your delicious Angie’s Easy Pecan Pie!
Time Needed:
- Preparation Time: 15-20 minutes
- Baking Time: 50-60 minutes
- Cooling Time: 2 hours (approximately)
So, in total, you can expect to spend around 3 hours from start to finish to prepare and enjoy Angie’s Easy Pecan Pie. 🕒
Enjoy your homemade pecan pie with its rich history and delightful combination of flavors and textures! 🥧😊
Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for a typical serving (1 slice) of pecan pie:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate, for 1 Slice of Pecan Pie):
- Calories: 500-600 calories
- Total Fat: 30-40 grams
- Saturated Fat: 7-10 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Cholesterol: 50-70 milligrams
- Sodium: 200-300 milligrams
- Total Carbohydrates: 50-70 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 2-3 grams
- Sugars: 30-40 grams
- Protein: 5-7 grams
Health Information:
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Caloric Content: Pecan pie is relatively high in calories, primarily due to its sugar and fat content. One should consume it in moderation to maintain a healthy calorie intake.
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Fats: While pecans contain healthy monounsaturated fats, pecan pie often includes added butter and sugar, which can increase saturated fat intake. High saturated fat intake may contribute to heart health concerns.
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Sugar: Pecan pie is high in sugar, which can lead to rapid spikes in blood sugar levels. People with diabetes should be cautious about portion sizes.
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Protein and Fiber: Pecans provide some protein and fiber, which can help with satiety and digestive health.
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Portion Control: Enjoying pecan pie as an occasional treat is a good practice, given its calorie and sugar content. Consider smaller servings to manage calorie intake.
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Nutritional Benefits of Pecans: Pecans themselves are nutritious and a good source of healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, such as vitamin E, magnesium, and antioxidants. However, these benefits can be outweighed by the sugar and butter used in pecan pie recipes.
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Allergies: Be mindful of nut allergies, as pecans are tree nuts. Individuals with nut allergies should avoid pecan pie.
Remember that these nutrition facts and health information can vary based on the specific recipe and ingredients used. It’s essential to be aware of your dietary needs and enjoy pecan pie in moderation as part of a balanced diet.