Southern Pecan Pie

In the words of Zac Brown Band, "and that's home you know, sweet tea, pecan pie and homemade wine, where the peaches grow, and my house it's not much to talk about, but it's filled with love that's grown in southern ground". 

I can close my eyes and imagine myself 10 years from now. I want my kids to always want to come home for dinner, because their momma's cooking is just that good. The kitchen counter and dining room table will always be a place to revisit the day, or memories of a special time. But also to keep it real. And how real can you get when you can't cook a pecan pie and you live in the south? So...I took it upon myself to make my dear friend Tami's favorite pecan pie recipe. Oh, and Tami? I did good, girl! Come on over and share a piece with me, we can sit on my deck. 

Tami's Favorite Pecan Pie

(courtesy of Southern Living magazine)

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter

1 cup sugar

1 cup light corn syrup

4 eggs, beaten

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 unbaked 9-inch pie shell

1-1 1/4 cup pecan halves

Combine butter, sugar and corn syrup in a saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until sugar dissolves. Let cool slightly.

Beat eggs in a mixer, add to mixture.

Put pie shell into pie pan, be sure to press a fork into the shell, all around, so it cooks through and doesn't become mushy!

Pour mixture into unbaked pie shell, top with pecan halves.

Bake at 325 degrees for 50 to 55 minutes. My trick is to wrap the pie crust with aluminum foil so it doesn't burn.

Serve warm or cold.

Enjoy!

Cedar-Plank Salmon with Brown Sugar and Cracked Pepper

My family and friends know how much I love to cook, so it was quite fitting when they gave me their favorite recipes at each one of my bridal showers. I absolutely loved this idea, and I immediately dived into them once I got home from our honeymoon.

Cedar-Plank Salmon with Brown Sugar and Cracked Pepper

(dinner for two)

Ingredients:

2 salmon portions (about 6 oz each, after all, it is heart healthy!)

1 tbsp dark brown sugar

1 tbsp cracked black pepper

You'll need one large cedar plank which you must soak in water for at least two hours before grilling.

Preheat grill on high for 10 minutes and clean with a grill brush.

Arrange salmon on plank. Rub brown sugar and cracked pepper mixture evenly over fish.

Place plank directly on the grill, close the cover. Reduce heat to medium and cook fish for 12-15 minutes or until internal temp reaches 130 degrees. 

Remove from grill, let fish rest at least 2 minutes.

Enjoy!