StC: A Few of My Favorites

There are so many things that come to mind when I think about what "home" really means. But more than anything else, it is the shared experiences that we celebrate there. And being together, is always accompanied by eating good food. We like planning menus, fixing it, baking together...we'll even be at one meal, and before you know it we're planning the next! And, when it comes to Thanksgiving, I don't really feel right without having at least 3 pies as dessert options. I'm so embarrassed, but that really is the truth. Usually, I make a pumpkin and a chocolate pie, and my sister makes her pecan pie...so so good. Here are our beloved recipes! (You still have time to add at least one of them to your Thanksgiving day line up...maybe all three!)

Chocolate Pie

(recipe makes 2 pies)

2 deep dish pie shells

3 c. sugar

1/2 c. cocoa

1 stick butter

3 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla

1 lg. can evaporated milk

Mix sugar, cocoa, butter and eggs together. Beat lightly. Then add vanilla and evaporated milk. Beat together. Pour into 2 unbaked pie shells. Bake at 350 for an hour.

Traditional Pumpkin Pie

(recipe makes 2 pies)

1 1/2 c. sugar

1 tsp. salt

2 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. ginger

1/2 tsp. cloves

(hint: you could always use 2.5 tsp. of pumpkin pie spice to simplify the spices)

4 large eggs

1 (29 oz.) can pumpkin

2 cans evaporated milk

2 unbaked deep dish pie shells

Mix sugar, salt, and spices in a small bowl. Beat eggs in large bowl. Stir in pumpkin and sugar-spice mixture. Gradually stir in evaporated milk. Pour into pie shells. Bake in preheated 425 oven for 15 min. Reduce temperature to 350 and bake for an additional 40-50 min. or until a knife inserted comes out clean. Cool on wire rack for 2 hrs. Serve immediately or refrigerate.

The Far Superior Pumpkin Cheesecake

(adapted by Smitten Kitchen)

Pecan Pie

Ingredients

1 c. white corn syrup

1 c. dark brown sugar

1/3 tsp. salt

1/3 c. melted butter

1 tsp. vanilla

3 eggs

1 c. heaping whole pecans

Directions:

Combine syrup, sugar, salt, butter & vanilla. Mix well.

Add beaten eggs.

Pour into 9” unbaked pie shell.

Sprinkle pecans over all.

Bake at 350˚ for 45 mins.

Cool and top with whipped cream or ice cream.

And since the first two recipes make two pies, you can always use one to bless your neighbors! They'll appreciate it...I promise. :)