Sweet Potato Pecan Pie

Ingredients

• 1 prepared sweet pie crust, recipe follows
• 1 pound sweet potatoes, baked until fork tender, peeled and mashed
• 1/2 cup pure cane syrup (recommended: Steen's)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 5 large eggs
• 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups pecan pieces
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup light corn syrup
• Pinch salt
• Chocolate curls
• Sweetened whipped cream, accompaniment
• Confectioners' sugar, garnish

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pie crust to fit a 10-inch pie pan. Fit inside the pan and set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, Steen's syrup, spices, 1 egg, and 1/2 teaspoon of the vanilla and mix well. Pour the filling into the unbaked pastry shell. Spread the pecan pieces evenly over the filling.

In another large bowl, beat the remaining 4 eggs. Add the remaining 1 teaspoon vanilla, granulated sugar, brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt and stir to blend. Pour over the pecans and bake until the filling is set and the pastry is golden brown, about 1 hour.

Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack for 1 hour before serving. Garnish with chocolate curls, whipped cream, and confectioners' sugar.

Sweet Pie Crust:

• 8 ounces all-purpose flour, about 1 1/2 cups plus 2 tablespoons
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 stick (1/4 pound) cold butter, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons solid vegetable shortening
• 3 tablespoons ice water

Sift the flour, sugar, and salt into a large bowl. Using your fingers, work in the butter and shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add 2 tablespoons of ice water and work with your fingers until the water is incorporated and the dough comes together. Add more water as needed to make a smooth dough, being careful not to over mix. Form the dough into a disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before using.

Yield: 1 (9 or 10-inch) pie crust