Classic Pecan Pie

Even though my family loves Wolvie's Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie every now and then we get a hankerin' for the original southern classic.  Once again Cook's Illustrated comes through with a recipe that is to die for.  Absolutely wonderful!

Adjust oven rack to center position, and heat oven to 275 degrees. Place pie shell in oven if not already warm.

Melt butter in medium heatproof bowl set in skillet of water maintained at just below simmer. Remove bowl from skillet; mix in sugar and salt with wooden spoon until butter is absorbed. Beat in eggs, then corn syrup and vanilla. Return bowl to hot water; stir until mixture is shiny and warm to the touch, about 130 degrees. Remove from heat; stir in pecans.

Pour mixture into warm shell; bake until center feels set yet soft, like gelatin, when gently pressed, 50 to 60 minutes. Transfer pie to rack; let cool completely, at least 4 hours. Serve pie at room temperature or warm, with lightly sweetened whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.