Nutty Chocolate Pecan Pie

Pecans, a southern staple, are widely grown in Georgia, Oklahoma and Texas. A dollop of chocolate in the mix adds a bit of variety to this classic holiday pie.

Recipe Ingredients:

1 cup light corn syrup
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
3 ounces unsweetened baking chocolate, melted and cooled
3 tablespoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup pecan halves
1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust*

Cooking Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine corn syrup, sugar, eggs, baking chocolate, butter, vanilla and salt. Beat until well blended, using an electric mixer on medium speed. Stir in pecans and pour into unbaked pie shell.
3. Bake 35 minutes or until center is set. Cool on a wire rack before serving.

Makes 8 servings.

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