CARAMEL PECAN PIE

This sinfully rich and heavenly caramel pecan pie will be a hit at your next potluck, trust me! Baked in a shortbread type piecrust, it is perfection. I like to chop the pecans fairly small so that it is easier to slice (and easier for kids to eat). It is the perfectly sweet ending to any special meal.

36 Kraft caramels (individually wrapped kind)
¼ cup butter
¼ cup milk
½ cup white sugar
3 eggs
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped pecans
9" Shortbread pie crust (recipe below)

In a saucepan with a heavy bottom, heat caramels, butter, and milk over low heat (keep stirring) until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and set aside.
Stir together sugar, eggs, vanilla and salt; add melted caramel mixture gradually. Stir in chopped nuts and pour into unbaked piecrust. Bake in preheated 350° oven for 45 to 50 minutes or until crust is golden. Remove from oven and allow to cool until filling is firm.

SHORTBREAD PIE CRUST: In large electric mixer bowl, mix 1 cup flour (spoon into cup and level off), ½ cup butter flavored Crisco, 1 teaspoon sugar and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Mix until crumbly. While mixer is running, add 2 tablespoons ice water, 1 tablespoon of beaten egg and ¾ teaspoon white vinegar. Beat until dough forms a ball. Use fingers to press dough into 9” pie plate (and up the sides). I use a two-piece 9” tart pan.