Maple-Caramel Walnut Pie

Name: Maple-Caramel Walnut Pie
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 10 servings.
Ingredients: 1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/8 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed; 1/4 cup shortening; 3 to 4 tablespoons cold water; FILLING:; 1 cup packed brown sugar; 2/3 cup maple syrup; 5 tablespoons butter, cubed; 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 3 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 cups chopped walnuts; 1 cup walnut halves

Here’s a wonderful variation on the nut pies traditionally made during the holiday season. The homemade caramel flavored with maple syrup really complements the walnuts. —Ruth Ealy, Plain City, Ohio

Ingredients

1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
1/4 cup shortening
3 to 4 tablespoons cold water
FILLING:
1 cup packed brown sugar
2/3 cup maple syrup
5 tablespoons butter, cubed
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups chopped walnuts
1 cup walnut halves

Directions

In a small bowl, combine flour and salt; cut in the butter and shortening until crumbly. Gradually add water, tossing with a fork until dough forms a ball. Wrap in plastic. Refrigerate for 2 hours or until easy to handle.
Roll out pastry to fit a 9-in. pie plate. Transfer pastry to pie plate. Trim pastry to 1/2 in. beyond edge of plate; flute edges. Line unpricked pastry with a double thickness of heavy-duty foil. Fill with dried beans, uncooked rice or pie weights.
Bake at 450° for 8 minutes. Remove foil and weights; bake 5 minutes longer. Cool on a wire rack.
Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, combine the brown sugar, syrup, butter, cream and salt; bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat; let stand for 10 minutes.
In a large bowl, beat eggs and vanilla. Gradually add syrup mixture. Stir in chopped walnuts. Pour into crust. Arrange walnut halves over top.
Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until set. Cool on a wire rack. Refrigerate leftovers.