Pecan pie
| Origin | |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | United States |
| Details | |
| Course | Dessert |
| Main ingredient(s) | Pecan and corn syrup |
| Approximate calories per serving |
503 cal |
Pecan pie, pronounced [peekɔːn paɪ], is a pie made primarily with corn syrup and pecan nuts.[1] Variations may include sugar syrup, molasses or maple syrup.[1] It is popularly served at holiday meals and is also considered a specialty of Southern U.S. cuisine. Most pecan pie recipes include salt and vanilla as flavorings. Chocolate and bourbon whiskey are other popular additions to the recipe.[2] Pecan pie is often served with whipped cream.
Contents |
Origin[edit]
Claims have been made of the dish existing in the early 1800s in Louisiana, but this does not appear to be backed up by recipes or literature.[3] Attempts to trace the dish's origin have not found any recipes dated earlier than 1897,[4] and well-known cookbooks such as Fannie Farmer and The Joy of Cooking did not include this dessert before 1940.[5]
Some have stated that the French invented pecan pie soon after settling in New Orleans, after being introduced to the pecan nut by Native Americans.[citation needed] Pecan pie may be a variant of chess pie, which is made with a similar butter-sugar-egg custard.[6]
The makers of Karo syrup significantly contributed to popularizing the dish[1] and many of the recipes for variants (caramel, cinnamon, Irish creme, peanut butter, etc.) of the classic pie. The company has claimed that the dish was a 1930s "discovery" of a "new use for corn syrup" by a corporate sales executive's wife.[7]
Cultural context[edit]
Pecan pie is often mentioned in American literature (and television) as associated with Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other special occasions; for example:
- "Dooley handed them a basket stuffed with fruit, nuts, candy, a tinned ham, and a pecan pie. 'Merry Christmas!' he said."
- —Jan Karon, 1996[8]
- The only kitchen item I usually bring to Italy is plastic wrap... This time, however, I have brought one bag of Georgia pecans and a can of cane syrup, pecan pie being a necessary ingredient of Christmas.
- —Frances Mayes, 1997[9]
Pecan pie is a staple of the Southern U.S., and is often used in literary context as a symbol of the South; for example:
- "Sweet tea, pecan pie and homemade wine/Where the peaches grow" - Chicken Fried (song, 2003)
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ a b c Griffith, Linda; Griffith, Fred (2003). Nuts: Recipes from Around the World That Feature Nature's Perfect Ingredient. Macmillan. p. 294. ISBN 0312266243
- ^ Cooks.com Bourbon Pecan Pie Recipes
- ^ Rick Mcdaniel (photographer); (et al.) (2011). An Irresistible History of Southern Food: Four Centuries of Black-eyed Peas, Collard Greens & Whole Hog Barbecue. The History Press. p. 215. ISBN 1609491939
- ^ Ladies' home journal, Volume 15 By Louisa Knapp, Edward William Bok
- ^ Food Timeline - Pecan Pie History
- ^ [Joy of Cooking: All About Pies & Tarts,Irma von Starkloff Rombauer, Marion Rombauer Becker, Ethan Becker; p93]
- ^ "History of Karo". Karo. Retrieved May 29, 2013.
- ^ Jan Karon, A Light in the Window (The Mitford Years). 1996; Penguin; ISBN 0-14-025454-4
- ^ Frances Mayes, Under the Tuscan Sun. 1997; Broadway; ISBN 0-7679-0038-3
External links[edit]
Media related to Pecan pies at Wikimedia Commons
Media related to Pecan tarts at Wikimedia Commons
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