The Tracks Leading Home To Pecan Pie

Tuesday will be son2's first trip home from college.

I wonder what he will feel coming home again.

Will he melt into his own bed and sleep for 12 hours in a room that looks smaller than what he remembered?

And in the between world will he stir for a moment and wonder where he is then smile in recognition drifting back into familiar security and softness?

Will he put away the pictures left on his desk in August of a high school romance that has taken its natural course?

Will he want to spend any time with us just talking and hanging out at home or with his friends who are making the journey too?

I know. That was wishful thinking.

When his group reunites I would love to hear the exaggerated stories of freshman life from the Class of 2009.

I can imagine the chest thumping of the silverbacks!

He is exerting his independence by choosing his means of transportation. His journey begins at 3 AM by taking a bus a couple hours then hopping on the train for the remainder of the trip. So much for a peaceful night's slumber until I know the train has pulled out - with him on it - going south.

The premier pilgrimage home is like no other and the revelations only happen once. There is added importance as what was last seen through the eyes of a child will be viewed with more mature perspectives and often times added appreciation. Something as simple as comfort food and what dorm pickings have deprived them of is part of it.

I've had three food requests. It reads like a last meal ~ sushi, pecan pie and more pecan pie.

Here is our favorite pie recipe that my men will not let a holiday go by without it gracing our table. After the first and second helpings the knife stays in the pie plate chipping away at the delicacy with each pass of traffic in the kitchen. It quickly dwindles by small slivers or huge pieces. Then it's gone by lunch the next day ~ the second pie.

The recipe is by David Rosengarten who used to have one of the first shows on the Food Network called "Taste." He was charming, funny and darned cute. The pie is also memorable for its own attributes. :)

For the crust ~
Either partially blind bake your own or try this one.

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 Tbls. confectioner's sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
10 Tbls. cold unsalted butter, cut into small bits
1 large egg, separated
1/2 cup ice water

In a bowl or processor combine and flour, sugar, salt and butter until the mixture resembles coarse meal. In a small bowl combine the egg white and ice water. Add liquid to dry ingredients and toss to combine. Form dough into a flat disk and chill 1 hour.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a round 1/8 thick and fit it into a deep dish 8" or 9" pie plate. Decorate the edges*. Chill 1 more hour.

Preheat oven to 400 F. Prick bottom and sides of shell, fit it with a round or parchment paper or foil and weight it down with rice or beans. Bake shell for 15 minutes. Remove paper or foil liner and weight and bake for an additional 10 minutes. In a small bowl whisk together the egg yolk with 1/4 tsp. of water and brush sides of shell with mixture. This will keep your crust from becoming soggy. Return shell to oven and bake for 2 minutes more.

Pecan Pie

6 Tbls. unsalted butter

1 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

3 large eggs

3/4 cup light corn syrup

1 Tbl. vanilla

1 cup finely ground pecans

1 cup chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 275 F. In a bowl set over simmering water melt butter. Remove bowl from heat and whisk in sugar, salt, eggs - one at a time, corn syrup and vanilla. Return bowl to heat and stir until mixture si shiny and warm to the touch. Add finally ground pecans and chopped pecans. Pour into the crust. Bake for 50-60 miuntes or until center feels set, but still slightly soft. Cool at least 4 hours.

* Try these pastry cutters from Williams-Sonoma.

I have them and they are great.

When you press the button on the top of the cutter not only is the shaped released but the pattern is imprinted. Definitely worth a trip to the mall this week.

Costco has 2 lbs. bags of pecan halves for $8.29. Bargain.

Have a wonderful holiday with your friends and family.