Pecan pie is one of my favourites, especially with the added chocolate flavouring, YUM! This is a great dish to prepare for any get together, and can be made as mini pies too!

Ingredients:

• 200g shortcrust pasty (I used ready made)
• 1 cup pecans (plus 1/2 cup to decorate)
• 2 tbsp sunflower spread
• 2 1/2 tbsp flour
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup chocolate sauce 
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 180c
2. Prepare the pastry by rolling it out and assembling into a dish. Use a fork to pierce the pastry in a few areas then refrigerate while you prepare the fillikng
3. Chop 1 cup of pecans and set aside
4. Gentle melt the spread over a medium heat, when whisk in the flour. Cook for about 2 minutes, then add the water and continue to whisk. Cook until it thickens, for about 5 minutes
5. Add in the maple syrup, chocolate sauce and sugar, and whisk to combine. Bring to a boil then reduce the heat down to a simmer and cook for 5 moer minutes, whisking regularly. Then stir in the vanilla extract and pecan halves
6. Remove the pastry from the fridge and pour the warm filling into the pastry. Top with the remaning pecans and place in the oven to cook for 25 minutes
7. Allow to cool for 5 minutes then serve!