Celebrate Martin Luther King's Birthday!

Today marks the 82nd birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  He is recognized as the most prominent civil rights leader in America.  He along with many other citizens of various ethnicities and walks of life paid the ultimate price in the quest for equality during a very tumultuous time in American history.  His celebrated "I Have A Dream" speech recited on the steps of the Washington Monument is as riviting now as it was many years ago.  Cultural unity through non-violence was the heart cry of  Dr. Martin Luther King.  Because of his efforts a national holiday in his honor was signed into law in 1983.

Let's celebrate the fire that Martin Luther King lit for civil rights.  Even if you don't get the day off from work why not enjoy a piece of Southern Pecan Pie in his honor.  It's reported to have been his favorite dessert.  Don't forget a dollop of whipped cream!

"Pass the Pecan Pie, please" (Say that three times fast!)

Pecan pie recipes are basically the same.  They tend to be very sweet.  My family likes less sugar in pecan pie so I cut the amount of sugar. I use equal amounts of granulated and light brown sugars.  Enjoy!

Pecan Pie My Way

1 cup light corn syrup
*1 1/2 cups toasted pecans broken into pieces
3 eggs, beaten in small bowl
2 Tbs butter, melted
1/4 cup light brown sugar (packed)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp maple extract

1/4 tsp nutmeg

1 pinch of kosher salt
(1) 9" refrigerated pie crust (lest you think I make everything from scratch)
*egg wash

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  In a bowl, mix light corn syrup, melted butter and sugars until sugars are dissolved.  Add vanilla extract, maple extract, nutmeg and salt.  Stir in beaten eggs and broken pecans until blended.  Set aside.

Roll out pie crust and fit into pie dish.  Crimp edges and brush with egg wash.  Pour pecan mixture into pie crust and place in preheated oven. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes or until a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean.  Remove from oven and let cool.  Top slices with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream if desired.

*Toasting pecans in the oven brings out the rich pecan flavor.  Just spread pecans on a baking sheet and toast for approximately 3-4 minutes in a 350 degree oven.  Watch carefully so the pecans don't burn.

*Egg wash gives pie crusts a beautiful finish.  Simply put an egg in a small bowl and beat with 1 tablespoon of water.  Brush wash on pie crust with a pastry brush before baking.