Pretzel Pecan Pie Food

CLASSIC PECAN PIE

Steps:

• Make the crust: Pulse the flour, granulated sugar and salt in a food processor until combined. Add the butter and pulse about 10 times until it looks like cornmeal with pea-size bits of butter. Add the egg and pulse 1 or 2 more times. If the dough is very dry, add the water. Pulse 8 to 10 times until the dough starts to clump together and there is no visible flour. Turn out the dough onto a piece of plastic wrap and form into a disk; wrap tightly. Refrigerate until firm, at least 1 hour or overnight.
• Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface into a 12-inch round. Ease into a 9-inch pie plate. Trim the edges, leaving a 1-inch overhang, then tuck the overhanging dough under itself; crimp the edges with a fork. Freeze until firm, about 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, position racks in the middle and lower thirds of the oven; preheat to 375˚. Spread the pecans on a baking sheet and bake on the middle rack until toasted, 10 to 12 minutes. Let the nuts cool slightly, then roughly chop.
• Line the chilled pie crust with parchment paper or foil and fill with dried beans or pie weights. Place the pie crust on a baking sheet and bake on the middle rack until the dough is dry and set around the edges, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove the parchment and beans and continue baking until the crust is light golden brown all over, 10 to 15 more minutes.
• Meanwhile, make the filling: Combine the butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, bourbon and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring; boil 1 minute. Remove from the heat and stir in the chopped pecans and vanilla bean paste. Let cool slightly, about 5 minutes. Whisk the eggs into the filling until smooth, then pour the filling into the hot crust. (If the crust has cooled, return it to the oven for 5 minutes to warm through before filling.)
• Reduce the oven temperature to 350˚. Bake the pie (on the baking sheet) on the lower oven rack until the edges are set but the center is still slightly loose, 40 to 45 minutes. (If the crust is getting too dark, cover loosely with foil.) Transfer the pie to a rack to cool completely.

BUTTERSCOTCH SALTED PRETZEL PECAN PIE

Steps:

• Whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl.
• Add in the cold and cubed butter and use your fingers to press it into the dough. Keep working it in until you reach small pea-sized lumps all throughout.
• Stir the vinegar with 1/4 cup ice water and pour into the dough. Mix with a wooden spoon. It should become thick and damp but still somewhat crumbly. It it's still too dry, add 1 tablespoon of water at a time until it starts to form into a shaggy dough.
• Pour it out onto a lightly floured surface (crumbs and all) and work it into a smooth ball. Flatten into a disk and wrap in plastic wrap.
• Chill for at least 30 minutes.
• Once chilled, let it rest at room temperature for about 15 minutes. Then roll it out and form it into your 9″ or 10″ pie dish. Place the shell back into the refrigerator while you make the filling.
• Preheat the oven to 350F.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the corn syrup, sugar, eggs, butter, and vanilla. Mix until smooth and well combined.
• Mix in the pecans, butterscotch, and pretzels to evenly coat.
• Pour into the chilled pie shell and spread around the pecans to create an even filling. Top with a few whole pretzels if desired.
• Brush the edges of the crust with an egg wash and sprinkle with sea salt.
• Bake for 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes. Check the pie with about 30 minutes to go and if it's browning too much, cover the top with a sheet of foil and continue to bake. It's done with the crust is golden brown, the edges are barely bubbling, and your whole kitchen has a nutty and caramelized aroma.
• Allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature, then move to the refrigerator to chill for about 2 hours to set.
• Slice and enjoy!