Aunt Berline’s Pecan Pie

🥧 Aunt Berline’s Pecan Pie 🥧

Pecan pie is a classic Southern dessert that is both sweet and nutty, and Aunt Berline’s version is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Here’s everything you need to know about this delicious treat:

History: Pecan pie is thought to have originated in the Southern United States, and it’s become a staple in many Thanksgiving and holiday feasts. The first pecan pie recipes date back to the late 19th century, with the first printed recipe appearing in a church charity cookbook in the 1930s. While Aunt Berline’s recipe might have its unique twists, it’s a part of this rich tradition.

Components: Aunt Berline’s Pecan Pie typically consists of the following components:

1. Pie Crust: You can use a pre-made pie crust or make your own. It’s usually a flaky, buttery pastry.

2. Pecans: Pecan halves are the star of the show, creating a crunchy, nutty layer within the pie.

3. Filling: The filling is made from a mixture of eggs, sugar (often a combination of white and brown sugar), corn syrup, melted butter, and vanilla extract. It’s sweet, gooey, and binds the pecans together.

Preparation Steps:

Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing Aunt Berline’s Pecan Pie:

1. Prepare the Pie Crust: If you’re making your own crust, follow your favorite pie crust recipe. Roll it out and place it in a pie dish. Flute the edges for a decorative touch.

2. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

3. Arrange the Pecans: Spread the pecan halves evenly over the pie crust.

4. Mix the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine 3 large eggs, 1 cup of sugar (a mix of white and brown sugar works well), 1 cup of corn syrup, 1/4 cup of melted butter, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined.

5. Pour the Filling: Gently pour the filling mixture over the pecans in the pie crust. The pecans will naturally rise to the top as the pie bakes.

6. Bake: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for about 60-70 minutes. The pie is ready when the filling is set and the top is beautifully golden brown. You might need to cover the edges with foil if they start to brown too quickly.

7. Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.

Time Needed: The total time needed to prepare Aunt Berline’s Pecan Pie is roughly 2 hours, including preparation and baking time. It’s important to let the pie cool, so factor in additional time if you want to serve it at the right temperature.

Enjoy your delicious homemade pecan pie! 🥧😋

Certainly! Here are some nutrition facts and health information for a typical slice of Pecan Pie:

Nutrition Facts (Per Slice, approximate):

• Calories: 500-600 kcal
• Total Fat: 30-40 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 8-10 grams
• Cholesterol: 50-70 mg
• Sodium: 200-300 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 50-60 grams
  • Dietary Fiber: 2-3 grams
  • Sugars: 40-50 grams
• Protein: 5-6 grams

Please note that these values can vary depending on the specific recipe and portion size. Pecan pie is known for being a rich and indulgent dessert, primarily due to its high sugar and fat content.

Health Information:

1. Calories and Fat: Pecan pie is relatively high in calories and fat. The high-fat content comes from the pecans, butter, and eggs. While these ingredients provide flavor and texture, it’s essential to enjoy this dessert in moderation.

2. Sugar: Pecan pie is loaded with sugar, mostly from the sugar and corn syrup in the filling. Excessive sugar consumption can contribute to weight gain and other health issues, so it’s wise to limit your intake.

3. Nutrients: On the positive side, pecans are a good source of healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, and several essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, magnesium, and zinc. However, the nutritional benefits of pecans are somewhat outweighed by the other high-calorie, sugary, and fatty ingredients in pecan pie.

4. Portion Control: If you want to enjoy pecan pie without overindulging, consider smaller portion sizes or sharing a slice with someone. It can be a delightful occasional treat without compromising your overall diet.

5. Alternatives: If you’re concerned about the health aspects, you can explore alternative recipes for pecan pie that use less sugar or fat substitutes. Some people even make “healthier” versions using ingredients like dates and nuts as natural sweeteners.

In summary, while Pecan Pie is a delicious dessert, it’s important to be mindful of its high calorie, sugar, and fat content. It’s best enjoyed in moderation and as part of a well-balanced diet.