Chocolate Bourban Pecan Pie

Pecans, chocolate, bourbon... oh my!
I just booked a Mardi Gras cruise that overnights in New Orleans; it's not until February 2017, but I'm already excited.  In that spirit, I was looking for a Mardi Gras dessert recipe and decided to make a bourbon pecan pie that included chocolate. I made it for a dinner party to absolutely rave reviews!!!  I used a good bourbon, Maker's Mark, which I think made a big difference in the outcome.  Of course, I used my Southern girl all-time favorite syrup... Karo maple flavored (it has a green label)!   

INGREDIENTS:

2/3 cup white sugar

1 cup corn syrup (I used maple Karo with the green label)

3 Tablespoons bourbon whiskey (I used Maker’s Mark)

3 large eggs

½ cup melted butter (unsalted)

¼ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup coarsely chopped pecans

6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips (about 1 cup)

1 9-inch refrigerated pie crust

DIRECTIONS:

§  Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

§  Place the pie crust in deep dish pie pan and cover with the chocolate chips.

§  Whisk the sugar and syrup until well combined.

§  Add the bourbon, eggs, salt, and vanilla extract.

§  Whisk in the eggs and stir to combine well.

§  Fold in the pecans.

§  Pour mixture over the chocolate chips in the pie shell.

§  Bake in preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until set and golden.

Top with whipped cream; for an extra zip top with bourban or cinnamon whipped cream!