Kernersville teen wins ‘Perfect Pie’ contest at Dixie Classic Fair

Zane Willard of Kernersville won 1st Place in the Karo Syrup “Perfect Pie & Dessert Contest” at this year’s Dixie Classic Fair. 

Below is the recipe for Willard’s Mocha Pecan Pie:

• 1 refrigerated pie crust
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream
• 2 teaspoons instant espresso powder
• 1 cup Karo Light Corn Syrup
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and grease a 9-inch pie pan. Spread out pie crust into plate and fold/crimp edges. Pour filling into the crust. Melt butter in a small saucepan on medium heat. Stir in cocoa, cream and espresso powder. Pour into large bowl, add Karo syrup, sugar, eggs, vanilla and salt; whisk until well blended. Fold in the pecans. Bake for 1 hour or until puffed and set. May garnish with whip cream and a dusting of cocoa powder.