Aunt Bea’s Pecan Pie

🥧 Aunt Bea’s Pecan Pie 🥧

Aunt Bea’s Pecan Pie is a classic Southern dessert known for its sweet, gooey filling and crunchy pecans. It’s a delightful treat that’s perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or just satisfying your sweet tooth. Here’s a detailed response with plenty of information:

📜 History:
Pecan pie has a rich history in the American South, with its roots dating back to the 19th century. The first recorded recipes for pecan pie appeared in Texas cookbooks in the late 1800s, where pecans were abundant. However, the pie became widely popular in the 20th century and is now considered a quintessential Southern dessert.

🧁 Components:

• Pecans: The star of the show! Pecans are the primary ingredient and provide a rich, nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch.
• Pie Crust: Typically, a traditional pie crust made from a mixture of flour, butter, and a pinch of salt.
• Filling: The filling consists of eggs, corn syrup, sugar, and butter. This combination creates a sweet, gooey texture that surrounds the pecans.
• Flavorings: Common flavorings include vanilla extract and a dash of salt. Some recipes also include a hint of bourbon for added complexity.

👩‍🍳 Steps to Prepare:

1. Prepare the Crust:

   • Roll out your pie crust and fit it into a pie dish.
   • Crimp the edges decoratively, or use a fork to create a simple pattern.

2. Prepare the Filling:

   • In a mixing bowl, whisk together 3 large eggs.
   • Add 1 cup of corn syrup, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup of melted butter. Mix until well combined.
   • Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Optionally, add a tablespoon of bourbon for extra flavor.

3. Arrange Pecans:

   • Arrange 1 to 1.5 cups of pecan halves in the pie crust. You can place them in a decorative pattern or simply spread them evenly.

4. Pour the Filling:

   • Carefully pour the prepared filling over the pecans. Make sure it covers them evenly.

5. Bake:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Bake the pie for about 50-60 minutes or until the filling is set. The pie should have a slight jiggle in the center when gently shaken.
   • If the crust starts to brown too quickly, you can cover the edges with foil.

6. Cool:

   • Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack before serving. This helps the filling set properly.

⏱️ Preparation Time:
The preparation time for Aunt Bea’s Pecan Pie typically ranges from 10 to 20 minutes, while baking takes around 50-60 minutes. So, in total, you should plan for about 1 hour and 10 minutes to 1 hour and 20 minutes from start to finish.

Aunt Bea’s Pecan Pie is a beloved dessert that captures the essence of Southern hospitality and comfort. It’s a delightful way to end a meal, and it’s sure to bring smiles to the faces of those who enjoy it. 🥧😊

🥧 Nutrition Facts and Health Information for Aunt Bea’s Pecan Pie 🥧

While Aunt Bea’s Pecan Pie is undeniably delicious, it’s important to be aware of its nutrition facts and consider it as an indulgent treat due to its high sugar and calorie content. Here are some key nutritional facts and health information:

Note: These values are approximate and can vary based on specific recipes and portion sizes.

• Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of a standard 9-inch pie)

Nutrition Facts:

• Calories: Approximately 450-500 calories per slice.
• Total Fat: Around 25-30 grams per slice, primarily from pecans and butter.
• Saturated Fat: Roughly 8-10 grams per slice, depending on the recipe.
• Cholesterol: About 70-80 milligrams per slice, primarily from the eggs and butter.
• Sodium: Around 200-250 milligrams per slice.
• Total Carbohydrates: Approximately 50-60 grams per slice, mainly from the sugar and corn syrup.
• Dietary Fiber: Typically less than 2 grams per slice.
• Sugars: A significant source of sugar, with 35-40 grams per slice.
• Protein: About 4-6 grams per slice, primarily from eggs and pecans.

Health Information:

1. High in Calories: Pecan pie is calorie-dense due to its sugar and butter content. It’s best enjoyed in moderation.

2. High in Added Sugars: The high sugar content contributes to the sweet and gooey texture of the pie. Excessive sugar consumption can have negative health effects.

3. Rich in Healthy Fats: Pecans are a source of healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated fats, which can be beneficial for heart health.

4. Moderate Protein: While not a significant source of protein, pecan pie does contain some due to the eggs and pecans.

5. Saturated Fat: The pie contains saturated fat from the butter, which should be consumed in moderation for heart health.

6. Cholesterol: The eggs and butter contribute to the cholesterol content. It’s advisable to watch cholesterol intake, especially if you have specific dietary restrictions.

7. Low in Fiber: Pecan pie is not a significant source of dietary fiber, which is important for digestive health.

In summary, Aunt Bea’s Pecan Pie is a delicious but indulgent dessert with high sugar and calorie content. It’s best enjoyed on special occasions and in small portions. If you’re mindful of your diet, it’s important to balance such treats with a generally healthy and well-rounded eating plan. 🥧🍴