Kentucky Derby Mini Pies

A combination of toasty nuts (walnuts or pecans), chocolate, bourbon, and an awesome buttery crust, "Derby Pie^® " is so delicious it's been trademarked. Similar to baby pecan pies, these Kentucky Derby Mini Pies are filled with all the best things: chocolate (standard pecan pies lack chocolate, but it can be added to make them extra awesome), nuts, butter, bourbon, and love! They're perfect as an everyday sweet treat, or for a special snack while watching the Kentucky Derby.

According to some people, these pies are even better with bacon added also. I've never tried it, but everything's better with bacon, right? Why not give it a shot and see?

If you prefer, you can also make a large pie instead of many mini pies, you'll just need to add a few minutes to the cooking time. Also, make sure your pie plate is quite deep, and make sure not to overfill it.

Software:
Crust -

• 3 cups flour (all purpose) - additional will be needed when rolling out for dusting board and rolling pin
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 cup and 2 tablespoons butter (cut in cubes and kept cold)
• 1/2 cup cold water
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Filling -

• 1/2 cup flour
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup melted butter (not pictured)
• 2 tablespoons bourbon (something yummy from Kentucky is suggested, Knob Creek used here)
• 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• 3/4 cup chocolate, chopped (will be melted before adding)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• pinch of salt
• (optional) 1/2 cup coarsely chopped, cooked bacon (if you're going to use bacon, might want to cut back or eliminate the salt)

Hardware:

• Large mixing bowl
• Mixing spoon or whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rolling pin
• Large biscuit cutter (this one used here)
• Muffin tins
• Plastic wrap

1. Add flour, sugar, and salt to the bowl and mix with fingertips to combine
2. Form a well in the center and add the cubes of butter
3. Work the butter into the flour until it's evenly distributed
4. Add the water and cider vinegar and mix until combined
5. Turn out the dough onto a sheet of plastic wrap and wrap tightly
6. Refrigerate at least one hour

1. Remove the chilled dough from the fridge and divide into four portions
2. Working with one portion at a time, roll the dough on a floured work surface using a lightly floured rolling pin
3. Using the large biscuit cutter, cut out rounds of dough and place them in the cups of the muffin tin. Scraps can be gathered and rerolled
4. Repeat with the remaining three portions of the dough
5. Refrigerate while making the filling

Note: any remaining crust can be wrapped tightly in plastic and kept in the fridge or freezer to use another time (if freezing, allow to thaw in the fridge before using)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
2. Combine flour, sugar, and brown sugar
3. Add the eggs and melted butter and mix to combine
4. Melt the chocolate in the microwave or using a double boiler (bain marie). If you're using the microwave, try intervals of 10-20 seconds, stirring after each one
5. Stir in the bourbon, nuts (pecans or walnuts), chocolate, salt, and vanilla (and bacon, if using)

1. Spoon the filling into the prepared crusts being careful not to overfill them as they will puff up some while baking
2. Bake 30-40 minutes or until set up and lightly browned
3. Allow to cool fully
4. Enjoy!