" One cannot think well , love well , sleep well if one has not dined well ."
Eggnog
Serves 2
Ingredients :
• 2 Ounces brandy or cognac
• 2 Ounces dark rum , plus more for sugar rim
• 1 Cup eggnog , prepared
• 1 ⁄ 8 Teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 ⁄ 8 Teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 ⁄ 2 Teaspoon light brown sugar
• 2 Sticks cinnamon , for garnish ( optional )
• 2 Pods star anise , for garnish ( optional )
• Shortbread or gingerbread cookies , for garnish ( optional )
Directions :
1 . In a cocktail shaker with ice , add the brandy , rum and eggnog together , cover and shake .
2 . Add the nutmeg , cinnamon and sugar to a small plate and stir around to combine . Wet the rims of 2 glasses with rum . Roll the rims of the glasses in the spices to coat .
3 . Strain the eggnog mixture into the two glasses . Garnish with cinnamon sticks , star anise pods and festive shortbread cookies , if desired .
Pecan Pie
Serves 8
Ingredients :
• 1 9-inch unbaked frozen deep dish pie shell , thawed
• 11 ⁄ 2 Cups pecans , coarsely chopped
• 3 Eggs , lightly beaten
• 1 Cup light corn syrup
• 1 ⁄ 2 Cup brown sugar
• 1 Tablespoon molasses
• 2 Tablespoons butter , melted
• 2 Tablespoons flour
• 1 ⁄ 4 Teaspoon salt
• 1 Teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Directions : 1 . Preheat oven to 350 F .
2 . Spread pecans along the bottom of the prepared pie shell .
3 . In a large bowl , mix the remaining ingredients and pour over pecans . The pecans will rise to the surface of the pie .
4 . Bake for 60 to 65 minutes until the filling has set . Pie is done when the center reaches 200 F . Pie center when lightly tapped should spring back . Remove pie from oven and let cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours .
5 . Serve .
Green Beans With Bacon and Pecans
Serves 6
Ingredients :
• 4 Cups fresh green beans , rinsed and ends trimmed
• 2 ⁄ 3 Cup bacon , chopped
• 1 ⁄ 2 Cup pecan halves
• 1 Red onion , sliced
• 2 Cloves of garlic , chopped
• Kosher salt , to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper , to taste
• 2 Tablespoons butter
Directions :
1 . Place green beans in boiling water and cook for about 5 minutes , until crisp and tender .
2 . While the beans are cooking , brown the bacon , pecans , sliced onion , and garlic in a large skillet over medium heat .
3 . Drain the green beans and add them to the skillet . Season with salt and pepper . Sauté together for 2 to 3 minutes on high , stirring frequently .
4 . Transfer green bean mixture to a serving dish . Serve hot .
" One cannot think well , love well , sleep well if one has not dined well ."
M . F . K . Fisher
SOUTH � NOVEMBER-DECEMBER ’ 24 � 27