It seems that of all the pies we have at Thanksgiving, next to the pumpkin pie is the much adored, pecan pie. This pie is a long-standing favorite for many at the holidays, just as it is throughout the year. Have you ever been in a situation in which you wanted to make a pecan pie, but were short on pecans? The recipe we’ll be looking at is for “Mock Pecan Pie”, which has the taste and consistency of a true pecan pie.
This recipe does have pecans in it, but only 1/3 cup. This is a correct measurement, because the amount of the pecans will be made up with oatmeal! This is why this pie is called what it is! This pie has the characteristics of a pecan pie, but with fewer pecans! If you happen to come up short while baking over the holidays and still want to make a pecan pie, this pie is for you!
This pie is assembled just as a regular pecan pie is. You begin by having ready an unbaked pastry shell. You then beat together eggs, corn syrup, sugar, salt, and melted butter. Then, you stir in the pecans along with the oatmeal. This goes into the prepared pie shell and is baked at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes or until it’s firm. Once it’s cooled, it’s ready for serving. Unless you tell those you’re serving what’s in this pie, they may never know that it contains oatmeal!
As most pecan pies do, this one also calls for corn syrup, which is commonly sold under the “Karo” brand in the stores. Either the light or dark syrup may be used. The light syrup gives a lighter color and a more “vanilla” flavor to the pie. The dark corn syrup is of course going to give you a darker pie and a more “caramel” flavor to the pie. Either one works equally as well as the other, so choose whichever syrup you prefer according to your taste preference.
About two weeks ago, I shared another “mock” pie, which was for “Mock Apple Pie”. In the event you didn’t get this recipe, click on the embedded link to get it. It’s also going to fool your guests in that there isn’t a single apple in it!
If you’re low on pecans but still are yearning for a pecan pie, look no further than this recipe:
MOCK PECAN PIE
- 1 (9-inch) pie shell
- 3 eggs
- 3/4 cup corn syrup, such as Karo
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup uncooked oats, either quick-cooking or old fashioned
Beat eggs until foamy. Add the corn syrup, melted butter, sugar, and salt. and blend well. Stir in the pecans and oats. Turn into the pie shell. Bake at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes or until firm in the center. Cool. Yield: 6-8 servings.
