Recipe: Mom's Southern Pecan Pie (using applesauce or apple butter)

MOM'S SOUTHERN PECAN PIE
Source: Pecan Valley Pecans

4 cups apple juice
1 tablespoon cornmeal
1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce (or apple butter)
3 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons cornstarch
3 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 tablespoons very strong coffee (or espresso)
1 (9-inch) pie shell, unbaked
24 Pecan Valley Pecan Halves

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

In a large saucepan heat apple juice until it has been reduced to 1 cup. Set aside to cool.

In large bowl, combine reduced apple juice, cornmeal and applesauce or apple butter. Beat with electric mixer.

In small bowl, blend 3 tablespoons water and cornstarch until smooth. Add to apple juice mixture and stir to blend.

Beat in eggs one at a time. Stir in vanilla and coffee. Pour mixture into pie shell. Decorate top with pecan halves.

Bake in a preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes or until custard is set. Cool slightly before cutting.