As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 Friday, November 14, 2014

Mini Pecan Pies

Pies are a highly anticipated finale of the Thanksgiving Day feast. And while pumpkin pie is certain to be on the menu, it’s always fun to sample other pies too.

By using two mini pie plates like these Anchor Hocking Mini Pie Plates instead of one conventional nine-inch pie plate, it’s easy to offer guests a sampling or two of their favorite pies. And if you’re going to someone’s house for dinner, you can leave a mini pie or two at home and bring the rest to share.

The pastry dough is easy to make and the pecan filling can be whipped up in a hurry. A dollop of whipped cream adds the final flourish.

Here are a couple more Thanksgiving pie recipes that make good use of mini pie plates. And here are some easy Thanksgiving recipes. Enjoy!

MINI PECAN PIES

Pastry for two 6-inch single-crust pies (see below)
3 eggs
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped pecans or pecan halves
Freshly whipped cream (optional)
Prepare pastry for 2 6-inch pie crusts as directed. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 2 6-inch pie plates with pastry crust. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, corn syrup, butter, and vanilla. Stir in pecans; divide into 2 crusts. Bake until filling is puffed, 35 to 40 minutes. Cool pies completely on a wire rack. Top each pie with a dollop of whipped cream, if desired. Makes 8 miniature servings.

PASTRY FOR TWO 6-INCH SINGLE-CRUST PIES

1 1/2 cups flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup cold vegetable shortening
5 to 6 tablespoons ice water
In a medium bowl, combine flour and salt. Using a pastry blender or 2 knives, cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon water over the flour mixture; toss with a fork. Push moistened flour mixture to the side of the bowl. Repeat, using 1 tablespoon of the remaining water at a time, until all of the flour mixture is moist. Gather pastry into a ball. Divide into 2 portions; shape each portion into a disk. Cover each disk with plastic wrap; refrigerate 20 to 30 minutes.

Flour rolling surface and rolling pin lightly. Roll each pastry disk into circles about 8-inches in diameter. Trim to about 7 1/2 -inches. Carefully remove trimmed dough. Fold dough into quarters. Unfold and press into 2 6-inch pie plates. Transfer desired fillings into pie crusts, flute or crimp edges as desired. Bake as directed. Makes 2 miniature pies.

Thanks to Anchor Hocking for providing photography and bakeware