Game Day Provisions
The Technique
Bourbon-Pecan Football Pies
When classic gridiron match ups are set to unfold, stellar provisions are a necessity for game day entertaining parties. Bourbon-Pecan Football Pies offer good grit in the homemade crust that’s prepared with yellow cornmeal while toasted pecans pay homage to the season. A smidgen of bourbon adds a bit of classic tailgating spirit. Get ready to cross the plane to sweet victory & host your best tailgating social to date with this irresistible dessert that’s guaranteed to score big.
Bourbon-Pecan Football Pies
makes 22 football hand pies
The Basic Fundamentals
This recipe does take some time to get the precise look. It can easily be cut in half, if desired.
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
1/4 cup sorghum
3 Tbsp bourbon
1 Tbsp butter
1/4 tsp kosher salt
1 cup chopped toasted pecans
1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste
2 recipes Buttermilk-Cornmeal Pastry Dough
1 egg, lightly beaten
2 Tbsp granulated sugar
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Bring the brown sugar, the sorghum, the bourbon, the butter & the salt to a boil in a 2-quart saucepan over Medium heat. Simmer, stirring occasionally, 2 to 3 minutes or until thickened to the consistency of corn syrup. Remove from the heat. Stir in the pecans & the vanilla bean paste. Cool 15 minutes or until firm enough to hold shape when portioned.
Prepare the Buttermilk-Cornmeal Pastry Dough as directed. Roll the dough between plastic wrap to a 1/8-inch thickness. Cut 24 {4-inch} squares, rerolling the dough as needed. Place on a half sheet pan & cover with plastic wrap. Cut each piece of dough in half & trim to straighten the edges, if desired. Brush the egg on the bottom of 22 dough squares; place 1 1/2 teaspoons of the pecan mixture in the center. Top with the remaining dough & press the edges to seal. Use a fork to create a decorative flute around the sealed portion of each miniature pie. Place onto parchment paper-lined half sheet pans. Cover & chill 20 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Cut 22 {2-inch x 1/4-inch} dough strips & 66 {3/4-inch x 1/4-inch} dough strips from the remaining dough squares using a pastry wheel. Brush the surface of each pastry with the egg; top with a 2-inch dough strip & brush with the egg again. Place 3 {3/4-inch} dough strips over the 2-inch strip to resemble football laces, pressing to adhere. Brush the tops with egg again. Combine the granulated sugar & the cinnamon; sprinkle over the pastries. Bake 18 to 20 minutes, in batches, on the middle oven rack. Let stand 10 minutes. Remove to a wire rack to cool. Serve at room temperature.
The Extra Point
Prepare the turnovers up to one day ahead of time & bake just before guests arrive. If traveling, package in a wax paper-lined plastic container to help cushion the pies for easy transport & to keep the design looking fresh.
Buttermilk-Cornmeal Pastry Dough
makes 12 {4-inch} dough squares
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
3 Tbsp plain yellow cornmeal
1/4 tsp kosher salt
1/4 cup cold butter
1/4 cup cold shortening
3 to 4 Tbsp whole buttermilk
Whisk together the flour, the cornmeal & the salt in a large bowl. Cut the butter & the shortening into the mixture using a fork or your fingers until crumbly in texture making certain to leave some of the fat in large bits. Drizzle the buttermilk over the mixture & shape the dough into a disc. Place the dough disc between two sheets of plastic wrap. Use as directed.
FROM THE KITCHEN OF BUTTERMILK LIPSTICK
{testing notes}
How To Toast Pecans
Toasting pecans ahead adds an extra layer of depth to recipes. Any time it’s included in the process, do not over look this key step. Toast more than you need & freeze the remaining for other recipes. Follow my easy instructions to take care of the task quickly.
The Technique
Arrange 1 cup pecan halves on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 6 to 8 minutes or until fragrant. Cool completely. Use as directed in recipe preparation.
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Game Day Entertaining
Visit these posts for more football & tailgating party inspiration
113 Best Tailgating Recipes, Football Party Menus & Game Day Crafts
Salted Cashew Mississippi Mud Brownies
The Tune
“It Don’t Mean A Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing” Ella Fitzgerald & Duke Ellington
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Rebecca Gordon
Be sweet.
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