Chocolate & Bourbon
Pecan Pie
Alright, men, strap in for a rugged, Man-Made masterpiece: the chocolate and bourbon pecan pie, forged for a 9-inch pan. This ain’t just a dessert—it’s a bold, blue-ribbon contender, packing roasted pecans, a slug of bourbon, and a gritty hit of chocolate to conquer the table. Built for guys who wield a whisk like a hammer, this beast is ready to rumble. Let’s fire up the forge!
Ingredients for a 9" Pie
The Raw Goods
• Pecans: 1.5 cups (163g)—whole, rugged nuts, roasted for a smoky edge.
• Agave Syrup: ¾ cup—sticky, wild nectar, sweet and fierce.
• Brown Sugar: 1 cup (218g)—packed, gritty, the heart of the beast.
• Butter: 2 tbsp—melted, rich, no compromise.
• Salt: ½ tsp—sharpens the flavor, keeps it real.
• Vanilla: 2 tsp—smooth and bold, a warrior’s touch.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: 1 tsp—tangy kick, shows your grit.
• Bourbon: 1 shot—straight from the barrel, the soul of this mauler.
• Eggs: 2 large + 1 yolk, room temp—muscle to bind the fight.
• Semisweet Chocolate Chips: ½ cup—dark, rugged nuggets for a chocolatey punch.
• Crust: 1 Man-Made Pie Crust or pre-made 9-inch pie crust.
Step 1: Toast the Muscle: Fire up the oven to 350°F. Spread 1.5 cups (163g) of whole pecans on a baking sheet. Roast ‘em for 6 minutes—get that deep, smoky aroma going. Pull ‘em out, cool ‘em down, then crush ‘em rough—think gravel, not dust.
Step 2: Melt the Core: In a saucepan, throw in ¾ cup agave, 1 cup (218g) brown sugar, 2 tablespoons butter, and ½ teaspoon salt. Heat it low and slow, stirring till it’s a molten, unified force. Take it off the fire and let it cool—don’t rush a good thing.
Step 3: Mix It Up: Take a shot of bourbon to make sure it’s okay. Grab a mixing bowl and crack 2 eggs plus 1 egg yolk into it. Add 2 tsp vanilla, 1 tsp apple cider vinegar, and a shot of bourbon for a little zing. Whisk it together gently. Slowly, like as slow as possible, drizzle in the hot mixture from the saucepan, whisking hard and fast as you go to blend it smoothly and not cook the eggs.
Step 4: Build the Pie: Roll out your Man-Made dough (or store-bought, your choice) and lay it in your pie tin. Fold the edges of the crust under so the edges are hidden against the pie pan and it looks even with the top or slightly above your pie pan. If you want to get fancy, take your index finger and thumb on your left hand and push the crust in with your right hand so it makes little waves. Or you can smush the edges with a fork or your fingers to seal it up nice and tight. Open the bag of crushed pecans and sprinkle those babies in, then add your chocolate chips and mix to combine. Pour the liquid gold mixture over the top. Gently stir it up to mix in all the pecans and chocolate chips.
Step 5: Crank the Oven and Bake: Turn the oven up to 375°F to start—let’s get it going! Pop the pie in for 15 minutes to set the crust. After the first 15 minutes, lower the oven to 350°F and bake for another 15 minutes. After these 30 minutes, cover the edges with foil to keep them from browning too much and bake at 350°F for 15 more minutes until it’s set—give it a gentle shake to check.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy: Pull it out—use oven mitts, careful now! Let it cool for 2 hours so it firms up. Slice it, serve with an Old Fashioned, ice cream or a coffee, and you’re set.
Why It Rules
This 9-inch pie’s a gritty, man-made titan—roasted pecans and chocolate chips bring the muscle, agave and brown sugar pack sweet power, bourbon and vinegar add edge. You’ve built a bold, blue-ribbon winner, brothers—pure victory on a plate. You good with this?
Chocolate and Bourbon Pecan Pie: The Manly Mauler
• Prep Time: 20 minutes—faster than a knockout punch.
• Cook Time: 50-60 minutes, time to flex your kitchen muscle.
• Total Time: About 1 hour 20 minutes—sweat for the glory, brother.
• Servings: 8—fuel for you and the crew, with leftovers to claim victory.
Gear
• 9-inch pie dish—your battle arena, built tough.
• Baking sheet—roast like a champ.
• Saucepan—melt the goods, make it molten.
• Mixing bowl—where the magic gets mean.
• Whisk—grip it like a crowbar.
• Oven—crank it, full throttle.