BBB's favorite Caramel Pecan Pie for now or the holidays

CARAMEL PECAN PIE

Adapted by BumbleBeeBoogie from a recipe provided by the chef of the Ye Olde Hoosier Inn in Stockton, California. This pie is quite different from the traditional southern pecan pie. It is my favorite.

Filling:
2 tablespoons butter
¾ cup granulated brown sugar
2 large eggs, unbeaten
1 cup canned evaporated milk, (not condensed)
3 tablespoons flour, sifted
¼ teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons granulated white sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
½ to ¾ cup broken pecan pieces

In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar and eggs; add the milk and thoroughly blend.

Sift the flour into a small bowl and combine with the salt and white sugar. Add to the egg-milk mixture. Stir in the vanilla.

Prepare your favorite pie crust and line a 9-inch pie pan with the pastry. Pour the filling into the pastry shell. Sprinkle the pecan pieces evenly over the top of the filling.

Preheat the oven at 350 degrees F. Place the pie on the middle shelf of the oven. Place a cookie sheet or a sheet of foil on the bottom of the oven to catch any spills. Bake for 45 minutes. Remove the pie from the oven and cool to room temperature before serving.

This pie is very rich, but if you prefer a topping: whip ½ pint of heavy whipping cream until stiff. Add 2 tablespoons of brown sugar and blend. A delicious alternative topping is to add brown sugar to sour cream.