Mock Pecan Pie

"This is an interesting dessert for the holidays. You won't believe this delicious pie is made from pinto beans! Easy to make and comes out perfectly every time." Recipe submitted by Jane Henry.

Recipe Ingredients:

1 cup pinto beans, cooked or canned, unseasoned
1 1/2 to 2 cups granulated sugar
4 ounces (1/2 cup) butter or margarine (not diet)
4 large eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons molasses or dark corn syrup
3 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust*
1/2 cup chopped pecans for topping

Cooking Directions:

1. Cook dry, unseasoned beans in water until soft. Cool, drain and measure 1 cup. If using canned beans, drain and measure them. Mash 1 cup of pinto beans.
2. Next, cream butter and sugar together in a medium-sized bowl. Add the vanilla, molasses, salt and well beaten eggs. Add mixture to the beans, mixing well.
3. Pour the mixture into an unbaked pie shell and sprinkle chopped pecans on top.
4. Bake for 45 to 60 minutes in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven, until pie is firm or a knife inserted into the middle of the pie comes out clean.

Makes 8 servings.

*Use store bought, ready-to-use pie pastry, or your favorite recipe for homemade pie pastry.