1. Prepare the Pie Crust:
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar.
- Cut in Butter: Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Ice Water: Gradually add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough begins to come together. You may need a little more or less water.
- Form and Chill: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a disc. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. Roll Out the Dough:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Transfer the dough to the pie dish and trim any excess, crimping the edges as desired.
4. Prepare the Filling:
- Mix Filling Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
- Add Pecans: Stir in the pecan halves.
5. Assemble and Bake:
- Fill the Pie Crust: Pour the pecan filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading the pecans evenly.
- Bake: Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown. You can check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cool: Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before serving. The filling will firm up as it cools.
6. Serve:
- Slice and serve the pecan pie at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Tips for Success:
- Chill the Dough: Make sure to chill the dough thoroughly to prevent it from shrinking during baking.
- Prevent Overbrowning: If the edges of the pie crust start to brown too quickly, cover them with foil to prevent burning.
- Texture of Filling: The filling should be slightly jiggly in the center when you remove it from the oven; it will continue to set as it cools.
Conclusion: Southern Pecan Pie is a rich and indulgent dessert that captures the essence of Southern baking. With its sweet, gooey filling and crunchy pecans, it’s a pie that’s sure to delight anyone who tries it. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a comforting treat, this pecan pie is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy every bite of this classic Southern delight!