Derby Pie

Someday I will attend the Kentucky Derby: I will wear a large hat, embrace all my Southern roots, and sip a mint julep. Why this desire? The Black Stallion of course. Did you know there is a whole series about the Black Stallion? Yes, yes there is. Are they still fun to read? Seems to be so because I see kids reading them. I have to confess to not having reread them in years, but I thoroughly enjoyed them back in the day.

And, due to the Black Stallion's inspiration, every year on Derby Day (which is tomorrow, folks!!), we have Kentucky Hot Browns, Derby Pie, and, um, Mint Juleps (well, the kids don't have mint juleps). We also watch the race which starts at 6:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. And we cheer for whichever horse is prettiest.... So forget Cinco de Mayo and make up a Derby Pie this weekend. 

This seems an honorable beginning to our new series: recipes based on books! We've talked about this for YEARS. Perhaps not weekly, but we do have a few up our sleeves already....

Thus, without further ado, here is the recipe I use for Derby Pie (copied from full tummies):

• 1/2 c. butter, melted
• 1 c. sugar
• 1/2 c. flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 t. vanilla
• 2 T. bourbon (optional)
• 3/4-1 1/4 c. chocolate chips (can there be too many?)
• 3/4-1 c. chopped walnuts or pecans
• 9-inch unbaked pie crust

1. Combine all ingredients and mix with fork.
2. Bake in pie crust at 350 for 45 minutes, or until brown on top!