This smells soooo GOOD right now.  Unfortunately, there’s really no way to pre-sample a pie. At least, no way that I can think of.

Think anyone would notice if I sneaked juuuust a teeny piece out of the side? :P

Step 1: line pie plate with pie crust (note: I had a super hard time with this and was getting VERY frustrated.  In fact, I had planned to make a braided edge along the outside of the crust, like this, but it was really hard and I kept screwing it up and breaking the braid.  I got about 1/5 of the way through braiding the edge and gave up).  Sorry that my crust edge is a little wonky!


Step 2: Heat up maple syrup, corn syrup, brown sugar and a bit of salt. When that boils, let it cool and add 1/4 cup butter, some hazelnut essence and vanilla. Then beat 3 eggs with some Jim Beam and slowly whip in the maple syrup mixture. Administer shots of Jim Beam to chef as needed.

Step 3: Put 2 cups coursely chopped hopped hazelnuts in pie crust. Then pour in maple syrup mixture over hazelnuts.

Step 4: Bake in 350 oven for 1 hour- last 20 minutes cover top of pie with foil to prevent browning. TA DA!!!

Step 5: Give your dog a piece of the leftover pie crust. Make him sit it on his nose for a while first, showing off his “manners.” Take photo for internet.

Step 6: Administer another round of shots of Jim Beam to chef as needed. :D
Step 7: Take the pie to your aunt’s house and serve a la mode with vanilla ice cream! Remember to heat the pie up a bit before serving.
Step 8: Mangia!