The Honorable Zoe Lofgren

United States Congresswoman, California

Specialty Recipe

Pecan Pie

Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose) won first place for her homemade Pecan Pie in the Campus Community Association, July Fourth Bake-Off. "This is one of my family's favorite recipes, especially for a holiday and it is very easy to make," Lofgren said.

Ingredients for Crust

1 cup flour

Pinch of salt

Generous 1/3 cup Crisco shortening

3 Tablespoons cold water

Ingredients for Filling

3 eggs

1/2 cup sugar

1/3 cup butter (or a little more than half a stick)

1 cup dark corn syrup (Karo Syrup)

1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla

Pinch of salt

1-1/4 cup of pecan pieces

Crust: Mix flour and salt. Mix in shortening until crumbly. Add water; avoid over mixing after adding water as it will make the crust tough. Roll out and place in 8-inch pie pan.

Filling: Beat eggs well, then add the rest of the ingredients except for the pecans. Beat mixture well and pour into crust. Add pecans to the mixture in the pan and stir, being careful not to puncture pie crust. Place pie in 350-degree oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until done.

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