Coconut Pecan Cream Pie

This pie is so delicious!  It will take you back to your Mamaw's kitchen.  It's really a coconut cream pie with a twist.  I'll give you the recipe first and then I'll tell you the story behind it!

Little Ricky's Coconut Pecan Cream Pie

1 c. sugar

1/2 c. all purpose flour

1/4 t. salt

1 1/2 c. milk

1 1/2 c. sweet condensed milk

4 eggs

3 T. butter

1 1/2 t. vanilla extract

1/3 c. flaked coconut

1/3 c.  pecan pieces

1- 9 inch baked pie crust

In a saucepan combine the sugar, flour and salt.  Gradually stir in the milk.  Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened and bubbly.  (Don't stop stirring...or it will stick to the pan)  Reduce the heat and keep stirring for 2-3 minutes.  Take off the burner.

Beat the egg yolks slightly.  Gradually stir in 1/2 c. of the hot mixture into the egg yolks.  Return the egg yolk mixture to the saucepan and bring to a gentle boil.....stirring so it doesn't stick!  As it thickens remove it from the heat.  Stir in the butter and vanilla.  Then stir in the coconut and pecans.  Pour the mixture into a baked pie crust.  Let it cool.

Meringue

Beat the 4 egg whites with the vanilla.  As it thickens, add 1/2 c. sugar.  Keep beating until stiff.  Spread over the filling.  Sprinkle with pecan pieces and coconut.  Bake at 350 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes.  Cool and Enjoy!

The Story Behind the Pie

You might be thinking this recipe is from the TV show "I LOVE LUCY" since it's called Little Ricky's Coconut Pecan Cream Pie, but that wouldn't be right! Bill and I have some dear friends, Rick and Kim Flores, that we have known for probably 25 years.  Bill and Rick love to rope, hunt and pick on each other!  Rick is the type of guy who can do anything!  He can build houses, fences, barns, gates and just about anything you ask him to do.  ( I think Kim has trained him well )  

Well, Bill and I have learned that if we need ANYTHING done around here we can call Rick.  He will show up with his gooseneck trailer loaded down with welders, torches, and other stuff that looks really hard to use!  One very hot summer day in 2000 Rick was over here building our barn.  He told us the story of an old diner in West Texas that he loved to eat at when he would go hunting.  He said they made a pie called a Coconut Pecan Cream Pie and it was one of the best pies he had ever eaten.  So a few months later, we needed Rick to help around here on a few things.  Bill called him up and promised him I would make him his favorite pie if he would come over the next Saturday.  I already had a delicious Coconut Cream Pie recipe so I just tweaked it a bit.   Rick was here by 7:00 that Saturday morning!  Rick is a good friend and would be here to help with or without a pie but it sure is nice to be able to offer him something he enjoys while he is here.

Keep this recipe in a safe place.  If you need to call a friend over to help around your house maybe this little pie will help you out, too!