Yummy things

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Yummy things
Random musings on happenings in my kitchen and my life, in Durham, NC


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About me
Hi! I'm Lindsey.

I'm a health educator, like to run at a slow, but steady pace, teach group fitness classes, and do my best to keep up with my family that's spread across the country. In the midst all of that, playing in the kitchen is one of my favorite stress relievers and creative outlets, so this blog chronicles some of my favorite cooking and baking adventures, but in the process it also tells the story of the rest of my life.

Like many people in the Triangle area, I'm a transplant. After spending the first 21 years of my life in the midwest, I've been settled in North Carolina for seven years. One of the things I love most about the area is the diversity of local farms, farmers' markets, and great food, so I follow lots of local food happenings, but I also keep up with my fair share of Midwestern favorites.

If you like what you find here, feel free to drop me a note and email Yummy things. I'd love to hear from all of you out there!
Mon May 16

Horses, roses and moms

As always, the first Saturday in May ushered in the Kentucky Derby, and we hosted our annual Derby Party. 

Along with the traditional favorites - Hot Browns, benedictine and mint juleps - Hazel debuted her first Derby hat, and I finally crafted a full size Derby Pie. 

Our friend, Ellen, and her little girl, Marisol, who was also enjoying her first Derby Party, picked Animal Kingdom as the winner. 

I did a little improvising for the pie, combining various recipes online, since, like all good pies, everyone’s got their own, slightly different version, and the one “official” Derby Pie is only available for purchase from Kern’s Kitchen.

I have to say it was a hit!

It was a great tradition to be able to share with the little ones, though it seemed to have tuckered Hazel out a bit. :-) 

My Derby Pie

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Lay refrigerated pie crust into a pie plate.  Flute the edge.  Sprinkle 2 cups chopped pecan pieces over the crust. Sprinkle 1/2 cup sweetened, shredded coconut over pecans.

Combine in a medium bowl:
3 tablespoons butter, melted
3/4 cup white sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1 tablespoon bourbon
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs

Pour 3/4 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips into a small bowl.  Melt in the microwave, by heating for 30 seconds, stirring, and then heating for 10 second increments, stirring after each one, until smooth.

Whisk melted chocolate into liquid mixture. Pour chocolate mixture over pecans. 

Bake for 10 minutes.  Lower the oven temperature to 350 degrees.  Continue baking until edges of filling puff and begin to crack and center is just set, about 25-30 minutes. Transfer pie to rack and cool completely.

Serve with whipped cream and a garnish of mint.