Pecan Pie

Most pecan pie recipes only put pecan halves on the top of the syrup mixture.  This one adds a little something extra: pecan pieces are added to the syrup mixture, giving you pecan throughout. Yum!

Ingredients:

3 eggs, beaten

1 cup dark corn syrup

¾ cup granulated sugar

¼ cup butter

1 tablespoon white wine vinegar

1 cup pecan pieces

4-6 ounces pecan halves

1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust

Melt the butter and cool slightly. In a large bowl, combine the sugar, syrup, and vinegar.  Add the melted butter, beaten eggs, and pecan pieces. Pour the mixture into the pie crust. Place the pecan halves on top of the mixture, in concentric circles. Take a fork and push down slightly on each pecan so it is in the mixture a bit.

Bake at 350 degrees until firm, about 1 hour.  Cool and serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Creamy Onion Soup

If onions make you cry, wear swim goggles while cutting!

Ingredients:

4 large onions

3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

8 ounces butter

1 cup flour

2 quarts chicken broth

1 pint fresh cream

2 teaspoons salt, more to taste

Melt butter in a soup pot. Slice onions and add to pot with garlic.  Allow to cook at a moderate heat, in order to soften and sweeten the onions.  Cook at least 30 minutes, stirring often.

Add flour and salt to make a roux.  Stir, cooking slowly and without browning.

Add cold stock.  Bring to a boil whisking continuously to prevent lumps or burning.  Once it is boiling, reduce heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes.

Puree the soup in a blender and return to the pot.  Add the cream and warm through.  Goes well with Easy French Bread.  

Baked Oatmeal

A warm and welcome breakfast on a chilly day.

Ingredients:

½ cup butter, melted

1 cup brown sugar

2 eggs, beaten

3 cups oatmeal

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon cinnamon

½ teaspoon nutmeg

1 cup milk

Combine oatmeal, baking powder and spices in a small bowl.  Set aside.  In a large bowl, combine the butter and brown sugar. Add eggs, mixing well.  Add oatmeal mixture and milk, combining thoroughly.

Bake in a 9" pie plate or 8” x 8” pan at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.