2. Southern Pecan Pie

INGREDIENTS:

3 eggs

3 tbsp melted butter or margarine

1 cup white sugar

1 cup corn syrup

1 1/2 cup chopped pecans (I add more here so it is less gel-y and more nutty)

1 tsp vanilla

1 Pillsbury pie crust

whole pecans for topping

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Combine eggs, butter, sugar, syrup, and vanilla.  Mix in pecans.  Pour into pie crust (unfolded in an ungreased pie pan).  If desired, gently lay whole pecan halves on top of gel (start from the outside and work your way in, see picture).  Bake for 50-55 minutes until the shell is golden brown and center of pie is solid to the touch.  If the crust is browning too fast, cover the crust with strips of aluminum foil for the rest of the cook time.  Allow to cool completely before slicing and serving.