The Catskills region of New York State has a long-standing farming heritage, dating back centuries. In recent years, it has become a popular destination for weekenders seeking an escape from city life — eager to enjoy fresh air and farm-fresh foods. THE CATSKILLS FARM TO TABLE COOKBOOK brings that experience right to your kitchen.
Fresh vegetables and fruit, meat, dairy, wild game and foraged foods all take center stage in this book because that is what eating in the Catskills is all about. Capturing the true essence of not just the Catskills farm-to-table movement, but also the amazing men and women behind it through contributions of recipes from top restaurants and farms in the region.
Take a look at Catskills-native and author Courtney Wade’s recipe for Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie, just in time for the holidays:
Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie Recipe
Serves 8
For the Crust Pastry:
1 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup lard
4–6 tablespoons ice water
For the Filling:
4 tablespoons butter
1-1/2 toasted pecans
3/4 cup coarsely chopped pecans
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup dark maple syrup
1/2 cup dark corn syrup
3 eggs, beaten
3 tablespoons bourbon
1/2 teaspoon salt
Directions
To create pastry, combine flour and salt in a medium bowl. Cut lard into flour with a pastry blender or fork, until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle water over flour mixture, 1 tablespoon at a time, while tossing lightly with a fork until dough is moist enough to form into a ball. Shape dough into a ball and flatten into a 1/2-inch thickness, rounding the edges. On a floured surface, roll lightly into an 11-inch circle. Place into a 9-inch pie pan, crimping the edges and refrigerate until ready to fill.
Preheat to 350°F. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Remove from heat and whisk in pecans, brown sugar, maple syrup, corn syrup, eggs, bourbon and salt. Pour filling into the prepared crust. Bake until just set in the middle, about 45 minutes. Transfer to a rack to cool completely.
For more cookbooks for the holiday season, be sure to take a look at these recommendations from our editors.
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