Fall is Pecan Pie Time
Fall is the perfect time to harvest pecans and make delicious pecan pie. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know about harvesting pecans and making the perfect pecan pie.
How to Harvest Pecans
Pecans are ready to harvest in late fall. Look for green hulls that have split open and dropped to the ground. You can either pick up the pecans from the ground or shake the tree and collect the fallen nuts. Use a blower to gently blow away fallen leaves to make the pecans easier to find.
Once you’ve harvested the pecans, remove any rotting nuts and let them dry for a couple of weeks. After they’re dry, crack them open with a nutcracker or hammer.
The Perfect Pecan Pie Recipe
There are many different pecan pie recipes out there, but they all have a few essential ingredients: pecans, eggs, butter, and sugar. Some recipes call for brown sugar, while others use white sugar. You can also add other ingredients like corn syrup, honey, molasses, or maple syrup to sweeten the pie.
Easy Pecan Pie with Premade Crust
If you’re short on time or don’t want to make your own crust, you can use a premade crust from the grocery store. Simply fill the crust with the pecan pie filling and bake.
Homemade Pecan Pie Crust
If you want to make your own crust, you can use a pate brisee, which is a type of shortcrust pastry. To make the crust, combine flour, butter, water, and salt in a food processor until the dough just comes together. Roll out the dough and line a pie plate.
Pecan Pie Filling
To make the pecan pie filling, whisk together sugar, eggs, butter, salt, milk, vanilla, and flour. Stir in the chopped pecans. Pour the filling into the pie crust and bake for 10 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Reduce the heat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for another 30-40 minutes, or until the pie is set.
Tips for the Perfect Pecan Pie
- Use fresh pecans for the best flavor.
- Don’t overmix the dough when making your own crust.
- Blind bake the crust before filling it to prevent sogginess.
- Let the pie cool completely before slicing and serving.
Storing Pecan Pie
Pecan pie will keep covered in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze pecan pie for up to 2 months.
Additional Tips
- Add a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream to your pecan pie for an extra special treat.
- Serve pecan pie warm or cold, depending on your preference.
- Pecan pie is a great dessert for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any other special occasion.
With these tips, you’ll be able to harvest pecans and make the perfect pecan pie every time. So what are you waiting for? Get baking!
