Pecan Pie

Temptation is a big way to undermine our success at managing holiday eating. Every year I make this pie, because it’s expected. And every year, I wish I’d baked two, so one would be the “I’m-Not-Sharing Pie.”

In the past year, I’ve been eating a little bit less. I’ve noticed I’m filling up more quickly. My clothes are less full. I’m taking joy in being able to eat what I want. 1 Thess 5-8, God wants us to have self-control. I’m relying on Him for it, because I’m still hungry. 

The magic is not in MORE, it’s in being blessed to have the good stuff in the first place. Isn’t that a lesson for all of us as we try to minimize desiring the fullness of everything before our eyes? We can feast. We just don’t need to have it all.  

Adam and Eve were tempted by an apple. Paul told us in Corinthians that we are tempted by things common to us (1 For 10:13). God wants us to approach Him without fear. He has sympathy for us. I have joy in knowing I don’t have to hide my desires from God. 

Pecan Pie, My Way

You’ll need one 9-10 inch pie crust. I make my own. *A pie crust protector is a great tool, but foil works just as well. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Ingredients: 

2/3 cup shortening

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup boiling water

1 1/2 cups flour

Directions:

Cream the shortening with the salt. Add boiling water, mix together. Add flour. Press into pie plate. Flute or crimp edges.

Filling:

In a small mixing bowl, combine: 

1 cup light corn syrup

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

3 eggs

2 tablespoons melted butter

1 1/2 to 3 teaspoons vanilla

1/4 tsp salt

3-4 cups of pecans

Do not put these into the bowl: 1/2 cup of whole pecan halves, reserved for top of the pie

Directions:

Pour the mixture into the pie crust. Embellish the top with the reserved pecans. *Protect the outside edges of the pie from burning.  Place in hot oven, bake 10 minutes, reduce heat to 350 degrees.Bake for 30 minutes. Pie should set up and rise somewhat. It should not still be liquid when you remove it from the oven. If needed, bake longer. Cool before serving.

Serve with fresh whipped cream.