It’s impossible to resist celebrity recipes. Like the Pioneer Woman’s famous dump cake, they’re a fun escape from our usual weekly fare, and inspire us to try something different. Take this Joanna Gaines pecan pie recipe, for example.
The home improvement genius, lifestyle curator and HGTV star never disappoints, so you might find yourself pleasantly surprised with her secret ingredient. It’s unconventional, though!
What’s Her Secret Ingredient?
Joanna adds two teaspoons of ground ancho chile to boost the usual flavor profile to another level. The dried version of the popular poblano packs mild heat, but an interesting fruity flavor as well. Traditional pecan pie is delightful as is—notes of brown sugar and cinnamon, and a luscious bite with a subtle pecan crunch. The ancho chile powder adds to the complexity of the pie’s flavor, while breaking up some of the sugary taste with a sweet heat.
Secret Tips for Holiday Cooking
While you probably still won’t add ancho chile powder to everything you make, adding a dash to pecan pie is a great trick for home cooks to have up their sleeves. Here are some other secret ingredient ideas for your best holiday recipes yet.
Sneak in a secret ingredient. It doesn’t have to be spicy! Check out our list of secret ingredients for your next batch of cookies. Mix and match add-ins like sour cream, yogurt and ricotta for rich flavor and creamy dough. For crunch, think cornflakes, graham crackers and sesame seeds.
Opt for buttermilk when making stuffing. That’s right! Here’s why you should add buttermilk to your Thanksgiving stuffing—the acidic properties of the beverage break down gluten and tenderize tough proteins, leaving your stuffing silky but with depth. Of course, use it for your many holiday baking endeavors, too.
Tweak your sugar cookie recipe. We know, Christmas cookie purists, sugar cookies are a must. But there are tons of tweaks you can make for the best sugar cookie recipe yet. We’ll give you a hint—orange zest.
Southern Bourbon Pecan Pie
When I first made the original recipe for this bourbon-splashed pie, I added some vanilla extract and eliminated the flour. We loved the result. —Paul Falduto, Efland, North Carolina
Texas Pecan Pie
I won a blue ribbon for this pie at the Texas State Fair. In the military for over 20 years, I didn't really start cooking until after I retired. Now I enjoy spending my time in the kitchen.—Michelle Shockley, Wichita, Kansas
Honey Pecan Pie
Looking for a sweet ending to a special meal? This attractive pecan pie is bound to please with its traditional filling and honey-glazed pecans. —Cathy Hudak, Wadsworth, Ohio
Pecan Butter Tarts
I searched for the perfect butter tart for ages. After many attempts, I discovered this favorite that begs for a scoop of ice cream on top. —Susan Kieboam, Streetsboro, Ohio
Caramel-Pecan Apple Pie
You'll love the smell in your kitchen—and the smiles on everybody's faces—when you make this scrumptious caramel apple pie recipe. It takes me back home to Virginia and being at my granny's table. —Jean Castro, Phoenix, Arizona
Buttermilk Pie with Pecans
Branch out from the usual pecan pie with a creamy-crunchy version that comes out of the oven golden brown. Big slices are even better with a dollop of whipped cream.—Kathy Harding, Richmond, Missouri
Cranberry Pecan Pie
I first prepared this pie at Thanksgiving to share with my co-workers. It was such a success! Now I freeze cranberries while they are in season so that I can make it year-round. —Dawn Liet Hartman, Mifflinburg, Pennsylvania
Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie
When my fiance first made this chocolate bourbon pecan pie for me, I declared it to be the best pie ever! Creamy chocolate combines with crunchy nuts in a great, gooey filling. We can't get enough of this recipe inspired by Kentucky Derby bourbon chocolate pecan pie. —Tanya Taylor, Cary, North Carolina
Coconut Pecan Pie
We top this with sliced bananas, whipped cream and more sliced bananas. It's based on a recipe my mom got from a potholder she bought at the Patti's 1880s Settlement in Grand Rivers, Kentucky. —Jennifer Choisser, Paducah, Kentucky
Raisin Pecan Pie
I remember my Grandmother Voltie and Great-Aunt Ophelia making this southern-style pie for Thanksgiving. It was always one of the many cakes and pies lined up for dessert. —Angie Price, Bradford, TennesseeThe post Joanna Gaines’ Pecan Pie Has a Secret Ingredient That People Can’t Resist appeared first on Taste of Home.
Hannah Twietmeyer