The History of Southern Pecan Pie

I wanted to learn about the history of pecan pie and how it became such a Southern favorite. Turns out, there wasn't much to discover.

What I did find out is that there is no hard and fast recipe for pecan pie. There's pretty much a core recipe that can be enjoyed as is, or it can be adjusted to suit your tastes. To keep things simple, I've included the classic Southern pecan pie recipe and then given suggested variations.

Also, since I'm gluten intolerant and I watch my sugar intake, I've also included a gluten-free, sugar-free pecan pie recipe. So if you're a celiac or a diabetic, you will be able to enjoy pecan pie. If you're a dieter who is wanting a lower calorie, lower carb pie, this recipe will also appeal to you.

So pull up a chair, let's visit, and learn how to make pecan pie like a Southerner.

Pecan pie is most likely a descendant of lemon cheese pie, a recipe which English colonists brought with them to the New World. In the South, this recipe transformed into vinegar pie, then morphed into the pecan pie we love and enjoy today.

Pecan pie was probably created out of imagination, convenience, (pecan trees are found in every southern state) and frugality (stretching food stores).  

I can just picture a woman, busy making her vinegar pie when she suddenly had an idea. She'd been cracking pecans the night before, saw them on the table, and thought, "I wonder what that would taste like?" Voila! Pecan pie was born.

But pecan pie then and pecan pie now are two completely different things. Prior to the 1930's, pecan pie was probably made with cane syrup, honey, molasses, or maple syrup. In the early thirties, Karo corn syrup began being used as the main ingredient in pecan pie. It's now the only syrup to use when making a traditional Southern pecan pie.

Once you get the hang of making pecan pie, you can branch out and be creative. There's many variations of this traditional pie. I'm listing a few of them, but don't be afraid to try an idea of your own.

• Add 1 cup chocolate chips for a chocolate pecan pie
• Add 2 tbsp. bourbon for a pie with a kick
• Add 1/4 teaspoon each of Cardamom, Clove, and Nutmeg for a spiced pecan pie
• Reduce pecans to 1 cup and add 1/2 cup peanut butter for a peanut butter pecan pie
• Replace butter with 1/4 cup heavy cream for a butterscotch pecan pie
• Add 1 cup shredded coconut for a coconut pecan pie

Pecan pie is a staple here in the South. Either declining it when offered or failing to serve it at family functions can be a mortal sin, so those of us with dietary restrictions can be left out in the cold -- well, humidity.

I'm not one to give up on my food easily. Where there's a will, there's a way. After scouring the internet and fiddling with things a bit, I came up with a gluten-free, sugar-free pecan pie recipe.

It's a bit more work that the traditional pecan pie, but doable. The most labor intensive step is the pie crust, which uses almond flour, coconut flour, coconut oil, salt, and an egg.

The filling is simple, using just eggs, Swerve, stevia, xylitol honey or syrup, vanilla, and pecans. I can tell you, it's pretty close to its sugar and wheat laden cousin in terms of taste. I've a few picky eaters around here when it comes to healthy food, and they've given it a thumbs up!

NOTE:

Xylitol is a natural sweetener, but can be toxic to dogs. Use with care if you have four-legged friends. Any sugar free syrup or honey can be substituted for the xylitol.

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup almond flour
• 1/4 cup coconut flour
• 1/2 cup melted coconut oil
• 1/2 tsp. stevia
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1 egg