Traditional Pecan Pie

Every year since my hubby has gotten home from his mission, we have made it a tradition to make Derby Pie, which is a slightly more chocolatey pecan pie.  I really hadn't ever just made a traditional pie.  Well, yesterday was the day!  The hubby said this was the best pecan pie he had ever had, and it was quite delectable :)  You can check the sites below for awesome step by step instructions, if you'd like.


Traditional Pecan Pie


1 whole Unbaked Pie Crust 
1 cup White Sugar
3 Tablespoons Brown Sugar
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1 cup Corn Syrup
3/4 teaspoons Vanilla
1/3 cup Melted Butter (salted)
3 whole Eggs Beaten
1 cup (heaping) Chopped Pecans


First, whip up your pie crust using "Sylvia's Perfect Pie Crust" (see below) or make your own favorite crust.


Next, mix sugar, brown sugar, salt, corn syrup, butter, eggs, and vanilla together in a bowl.


Pour chopped pecans in the bottom of the unbaked pie shell.


Pour syrup mixture over the top. Cover top and crust lightly/gently with foil. Bake pie at 350º for 30 minutes. Remove foil, then continue baking for 20 minutes, being careful not to burn the crust or pecans.


NOTE: PIE SHOULD NOT BE OVERLY JIGGLY WHEN YOU REMOVE IT FROM THE OVEN. If it shakes a lot, cover with foil and bake for an additional 20 minute or until set. Required baking time seems to vary widely with this recipe. Sometimes it takes 50 minutes; sometimes it takes 75!


Allow to cool for several hours or overnight. Serve in thin slivers.

Recipe Source:  The Pioneer Woman

Sylvia's Perfect Pie Crust

1-1/2 cup Crisco (vegetable Shortening)

3 cups All-purpose Flour

1 whole Egg

5 Tablespoons Cold Water

1 Tablespoon White Vinegar

1 teaspoon Salt

In a large bowl, with a pastry cutter, gradually work the Crisco into the flour for about 3 or 4 minutes until it resembles a coarse meal. In a small bowl, beat an egg with a fork and then pour it into the flour/shortening mixture. Add 5 tablespoons of cold water, 1 tablespoon of white vinegar and 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir together gently until all of the ingredients are incorporated.

Separate the dough into thirds. Form 3 evenly sized balls of dough and place each dough into a large Ziploc bag. Using a rolling pin, slightly flatten each ball of dough (about ½ inch thick) to make rolling easier later. Seal the bags and place them in the freezer until you need them. (If you will be using it immediately it’s still a good idea to put in the freezer for about 15 to 20 minutes to chill.)

When you are ready to use the dough to make a crust, remove from the freezer and allow to thaw for 15 minutes. On a floured surface roll the dough, starting at the center and working your way out. (Sprinkle some flour over top of the dough if it’s a bit too moist.) If the dough is sticking to the countertop use a metal spatula and carefully scrape it up and flip it over and continue rolling until it’s about ½ inch larger in diameter than your pie pan.

With a spatula, lift the dough carefully from the surface of the counter into the pie pan. Gently press the dough against the corner of the pan. Go around the pie pan pinching and tucking the dough to make a clean edge.

Recipe Source:The Pioneer Woman