Ingredients

  • 1 prepared sweet pie crust, recipe follows
  • 1 pound sweet potatoes, baked until fork tender, peeled and mashed
  • 1/2 cup pure cane syrup (recommended: Steen's)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • 5 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups pecan pieces
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup light corn syrup
  • Pinch salt
  • Chocolate curls
  • Sweetened whipped cream, accompaniment
  • Confectioners' sugar, garnish
  • 8 ounces all-purpose flour, about 1 1/2 cups plus 2 tablespoons
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 stick (1/4 pound) cold butter, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
  • 2 tablespoons solid vegetable shortening
  • 3 tablespoons ice water

Method

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
  • On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pie crust to fit a 10-inch pie pan.
  • Fit inside the pan and set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, Steen's syrup, spices, 1 egg, and 1/2 teaspoon of the vanilla and mix well.
  • Pour the filling into the unbaked pastry shell.
  • Spread the pecan pieces evenly over the filling.
  • In another large bowl, beat the remaining 4 eggs.
  • Add the remaining 1 teaspoon vanilla, granulated sugar, brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt and stir to blend.
  • Pour over the pecans and bake until the filling is set and the pastry is golden brown, about 1 hour.
  • Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack for 1 hour before serving.
  • Garnish with chocolate curls, whipped cream, and confectioners' sugar.
  • Sift the flour, sugar, and salt into a large bowl.
  • Using your fingers, work in the butter and shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  • Add 2 tablespoons of ice water and work with your fingers until the water is incorporated and the dough comes together.
  • Add more water as needed to make a smooth dough, being careful not to over mix.
  • Form the dough into a disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before using.
  • Yield: 1 (9 or 10-inch) pie crust