Countdown to Christmas - Chocolate Pecan Pie

It was hard to decide which pie to share with you all. I settled on this one because it holds a special place in my heart. Can a pie hold a special place in your heart? I don't know, but it does for me, maybe I am strange.

This was the first pie I ever made, from one of the first cookbooks I ever owned. I made it for my work Christmas party, about one month after we got married, when I was 20 years old! Looking back, I think this pie was what started my whole "love" with baking. I probably made it 3 or 4 times that Christmas, I took it everywhere, just shoving it in people's faces. I was so proud that I made something, and people loved it! That is a great feeling, isn't it?

I remember one of my friends was so impressed that I MADE a PIE!!!! (obviously she couldn't cook either) She had me teach her how to make it right away! A pecan pie is really foolproof! So if you aren't exactly a baker, it is a fantastic one to start out with.

The recipe comes from a beloved cookbook of mine, "Cooking with Vestal and Friends". I absolutely LOVE Vestal Goodman, who went on to be with the Lord several years ago. I love her music, story, and recipes!!! In high school, a friend went to her concert and bought this for me. I wanted so badly to meet her, but it unfortunately it never happened. My Mom and Dad did get me tickets to go to her last concert in the area though.

Chocolate Pecan Pie

3 eggs, slightly beaten
1 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups pecan halves
1 unbaked 9 inch pie shell

In a large bowl, stir eggs, corn syrup, sugar, chocolate chips, butter, and vanilla until well blended. Stir in pecans. Pour into pie shell. Bake for 50-60 minutes in 350 degree oven until knife inserted halfway between center and edge comes out clean. Cool on wire rack.