Spiced Pecan Pie Crust

Not your ordinary pie crust, but extraordinary. This pie crust has the perfect balance of spices and sweetness to transform any pie into a gourmet pie. Submitted by Rhonda R. Braun, Katy, TX

Cuisinart original

This pairs great with our Pumpkin Pie (see page TK) but would also add a new twist to a New York style cheesecake.

Yields

Makes one 9-inch pie crust

Ingredients

1 whole cinnamon stick 1 whole nutmeg ¾ cup pecans, toasted and cooled ⅔ cup graham cracker crumbs 3 tablespoons light brown sugar 1 tablespoon granulated sugar ½ teaspoon table salt ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Nutritional information

Calories 120 (67% from fat) • carb. 9g • pro. 1g • fat 9g • sat. fat 3g • chol. 10mg • sod. 140mg • calc. 7mg • fiber 1g

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly coat a 9-inch pie plate with nonstick cooking spray. Reserve. Place the cinnamon stick, nutmeg and pecans in the bowl of the Cuisinart Spice Grinder. Pulse 2 to 3 times, and then process until finely ground, about 30 seconds. Place the spices, pecans, graham cracker crumbs and sugars in a medium bowl. Whisk to combine. Slowly add the butter and vanilla until mixture is moist. Note: all of the butter may not be needed. Press the mixture into the prepared pie plate. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes.