derby daze

I know there are a few more months before the Kentucky Derby, but it's not like I'll be attending anyway. All I really know about it is that it's an excuse for ladies to wear the most ridiculous hats ever created.

I like funny hats.

Heck, my whole family likes funny hats.

We also like pie, and this is a good one. It has the nuts and goo of a pecan pie, but with the addition of coconut and chocolate. Oh, and we mustn't leave out the bourbon--it's in there too.

This recipe is pretty much fool-proof to make and it tastes terrific too. If pies aren't your thing, you can also pour the goo onto a baked shortbread or cookie crust in a 13x9" pan and bake it about 30-35 minutes. Just like that, derby bars!

For maximum enjoyment, don a silly hat whilst eating this yummy pie. Chase it down with sips of mint julep as well, if you're so inclined.

Derby Pie
Ingredients:

• One 9-inch pie crust, store-bought or homemade
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 ounce butter, melted
• 3/4 cup dark corn syrup
• 1 tablespoon bourbon
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup shredded coconut, plus more for the top

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare crust and fit it into a pie plate.
Beat together the eggs and the sugar until blended.
Mix in the butter, corn syrup, and bourbon.
Fold in the chocolate chips, pecans, and coconut.
Pour this mixture into the prepared crust, then sprinkle the top with a little more coconut.
Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the coconut on top is browned and the pie is just a little bit jiggly.