Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie

We took our kids on a Caribbean cruise two weeks before Christmas so we had no Christmas celebration planned. Just another quiet evening at home. However, a chance encounter at the grocery store ended with an invitation to join our neighbors for Lobster Bisque and Salmon Quesadillas on Christmas Eve.  We were looking forward to an evening of good food and fun until a nasty cold knocked us out of commission. Our friends sent us a generous basket with all the anticipated delicacies.

No southern lady ever returns a dish or basket empty, so I made a chocolate chip pecan pie as my thank you gift. Honestly, it is one of the easiest pies to make and takes very little time. It freezes well, so I made two in case I have unexpected company later in the week. 

CHOCOLATE CHIP PECAN PIE

9-inch Unbaked Pastry Shell

3 eggs

1 cup light corn syrup

½ cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/8 teaspoon salt

1 cup chopped pecans

½ cup semi-sweet chocolate pieces

Oven 375°

In large mixer bowl, combine eggs, corn syrup, sugar, salt and vanilla.  Blend well at medium speed. Stir in pecans and chocolate pieces. Pour into unbaked pastry shell.  Bake at 375° for 40 to 45 minutes until knife inserted near center comes out clean. Cool. Serve plain or with whipped cream.

Gather ingredients. I've measured out enough for 2-9" pies.

Beat eggs, blend in sugar, syrup, salt, and vanilla

I can make my own pie crust, but it's hardly worth the effort.
 I use a pre-made Pillsbury crust and pinch the edges using my thumb and forefinger.

I sprinkle the pecan and chocolate pieces in the unbaked
shell so they will be evenly distributed.
 

Pour egg mixture over pecans and chocolate pieces

I cover with an edge protector (which you can find at a kitchen store or use
strips of aluminum foil). This allows the crust to brown without
burning the edges.

Now kick your feet up for 45 minutes while the pies bake.

 The directions say to serve with whipped cream. I think that's gilding the lily, but you do as you like. Personally, this is my favorite pecan pie because it isn't as sweet as the one my mom makes (don't worry, she won't ever read this since she doesn't own a computer). In fact, I like to eat it straight from the freezer, like a frozen candy bar. Hope the holidays continue to treat you well!