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Gooey Pecan Pie

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Gooey Pecan Pie

Formal Description:
Gooey Pecan Pie is a classic American dessert that combines a rich, sweet, and gooey filling with crunchy pecans, all encased in a flaky pie crust. It is a beloved treat often enjoyed during holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, but it’s delightful year-round for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Casual Description:
Gooey Pecan Pie is like a slice of heaven in a pie crust! It’s a scrumptious American dessert that’s super sweet and sticky, loaded with tasty pecans. Picture a crispy pie crust hugging a gooey, nutty filling – it’s a dessert lover’s dream!

History:
The history of Pecan Pie is deeply rooted in the Southern United States, with claims to its invention by both French settlers in New Orleans and Native Americans who were already using pecans in their cooking. The modern Gooey Pecan Pie, characterized by its syrupy filling, likely emerged in the early 20th century when Karo syrup began promoting pecan pie recipes on their product labels. It gained widespread popularity during the mid-20th century and has since become a staple of Southern and American cuisine.

Components:

  1. Pie Crust: You can use a pre-made pie crust or make one from scratch with flour, butter, salt, and water.
  2. Pecans: The star of the show! Pecan halves or pieces are used to add a rich, nutty flavor and crunch.
  3. Filling: The gooey filling consists of ingredients like eggs, sugar (usually a mix of white and brown), corn syrup (often light or dark), melted butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Some recipes also incorporate a splash of bourbon or rum for extra flavor.
  4. Optional: Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving.

Steps to Prepare Gooey Pecan Pie:

Formal Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Pie Crust:

    • If making from scratch, combine flour and salt in a bowl, then cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add water and form the dough into a disk. Chill for 30 minutes.
    • Roll out the dough to fit a pie dish and crimp the edges.
  2. Preheat Oven:

    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  3. Prepare the Filling:

    • In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, white sugar, brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
  4. Arrange Pecans:

    • Place the pecans evenly over the pie crust.
  5. Pour Filling:

    • Pour the prepared filling over the pecans.
  6. Bake:

    • Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes or until the center is set. The pie will still be slightly jiggly, but it will firm up as it cools.
  7. Cool and Serve:

    • Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired.

Casual Instructions:

  1. Get Your Pie Crust Ready:

    • Grab a pre-made pie crust or whip up one from scratch. Make it all buttery and flaky!
  2. Heat Up the Oven:

    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s getting hot in there!
  3. Mix Up That Filling:

    • Whisk together eggs, white sugar, brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, vanilla extract, and a tiny pinch of salt. Get it all nice and gooey.
  4. Pecans, Meet Pie Crust:

    • Sprinkle your pecans all over that pie crust. They’re going to have a party in there!
  5. Pour the Gooey Stuff In:

    • Pour the gooey filling over the pecans. Let it soak in all that nutty goodness.
  6. Bake It ‘Til It’s Perfect:

    • Pop that pie into the oven for around 45-50 minutes. It’s ready when it’s set but still a little jiggly in the middle.
  7. Chill and Dig In:

    • Let it cool down, then slice yourself a piece of gooey pecan perfection. Add some whipped cream or ice cream for bonus deliciousness!

Time Needed:
Preparation time for Gooey Pecan Pie typically ranges from 20 to 30 minutes, while baking takes around 45 to 50 minutes. Allow additional time for cooling. So, from start to finish, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 20 minutes. It’s totally worth the wait for that gooey, nutty delight!

Nutrition Facts for Gooey Pecan Pie (Per Serving):

  • Calories: 450-500 calories (approx.)
  • Total Fat: 28-32 grams
    • Saturated Fat: 7-9 grams
    • Trans Fat: 0 grams
  • Cholesterol: 65-75 milligrams
  • Sodium: 250-300 milligrams
  • Total Carbohydrates: 50-55 grams
    • Dietary Fiber: 2-3 grams
    • Sugars: 40-45 grams
  • Protein: 4-5 grams

Health Information:

  1. Calories: Gooey Pecan Pie is a calorie-dense dessert, with each serving containing around 450 to 500 calories. It’s important to enjoy it in moderation, especially if you’re watching your calorie intake.

  2. Total Fat: The pie is relatively high in total fat, primarily due to the butter in the crust and the nuts in the filling. While pecans contain healthy fats, it’s essential to be mindful of your overall fat consumption.

  3. Saturated Fat: Saturated fat, found in butter, is a concern for heart health when consumed in excess. A single slice of pecan pie contains approximately 7 to 9 grams of saturated fat.

  4. Cholesterol: Each serving provides 65 to 75 milligrams of cholesterol. If you need to manage your cholesterol intake, be mindful of portion sizes.

  5. Sodium: The sodium content in Gooey Pecan Pie is relatively low, making it suitable for those on a low-sodium diet.

  6. Total Carbohydrates: The majority of the carbohydrates in this dessert come from sugars, with a serving containing about 40 to 45 grams of sugars. This contributes to the pie’s sweet taste but should be consumed in moderation, especially for individuals with diabetes or those watching their sugar intake.

  7. Dietary Fiber: While there is some dietary fiber from the pecans and crust, Gooey Pecan Pie is not a significant source of fiber.

  8. Protein: The protein content is relatively low, with each serving providing about 4 to 5 grams. Pecan pie is not a substantial source of protein.

Additional Considerations:

  • Portion Control: Due to its high calorie and sugar content, it’s advisable to enjoy Gooey Pecan Pie in moderation to maintain a balanced diet.

  • Nut Allergies: Be cautious if you or someone you’re serving has nut allergies, as pecans are a key ingredient in this recipe.

  • Balanced Diet: Pecan pie is a delicious indulgence but should be part of an overall balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrient-rich foods.

  • Dietary Restrictions: Adjust the recipe or portion size to meet specific dietary requirements, such as low-sugar or low-fat diets, if necessary.

Remember that nutritional values may vary based on specific recipes and portion sizes, so it’s a good practice to check labels or use a nutritional calculator for precise information when making or consuming Gooey Pecan Pie.

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