Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (including pastry rest time)

Serves: 6-8

  • Pie Pastry:
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1/4 cup finely ground pecans
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • Pinch salt
  • 1 stick unsalted butter, cold and cut into small chunks
  • 2 tablespoons ice water, plus more if needed
  • Filling:
  • 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
  • 2 ounces unsweetened chocolate
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3/4 cup dark corn syrup or sugar cane syrup (such as Steen's)
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 3 tablespoons bourbon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 11/2 cups pecan halves
  • 1 pint heavy whipping cream

BOURBON AND CHOCOLATE PECAN PIE

Recipe courtesy Tyler Florence

To make the pastry, combine flour, ground pecans, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add the butter and mix with a pastry blender or your hands until the mixture resembles coarse bread crumbs.  Pour in the ice water and work it together until the dough binds and holds together without being too wet or sticky. Squeeze a small amount together, if it is crumbly, add more ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface into a 12-inch circle. Carefully roll the dough up onto the pin (this may take a little practice) and lay it inside a 9-inch pie pan. Press the dough into the pan so it fits tightly and trim the excess around the rim. Place the pie pan on a sturdy cookie sheet so it will be easy to move in and out of the oven.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

To make the filling: melt the butter and chocolate over a double boiler then remove from heat and let cool.  Beat the eggs in a large mixing bowl until frothy and then with the mixer on low gradually add the sugar.  Stir in the vanilla, syrup, bourbon, salt, and the melted butter mixture.

Arrange the pecans on the bottom of the pie crust and carefully pour the egg mixture over them. Bake until the filling is set and slightly puffed, about 45 minutes. Test for doneness by sticking a thin knife in the center of the pie, it should come out clean if done.  Transfer the pie to rack and cool completely before cutting.  Serve with whipped cream.

Edited: December 3rd, 2009