Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and many are gearing up for their grocery store trips to gather ingredients for their festive feasts. A Thanksgiving staple that can’t be overlooked is pie, and while many may have their favorites, Ina Garten, renowned for her home cooking, recently shared insights about her go-to dessert this year: Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie.
In a surprising twist, Garten revealed on Instagram that she recommends using a store-bought pie crust for this recipe, claiming it enhances the richness of the filling made with chocolate, pecans, and bourbon. “Making an old-fashioned Thanksgiving pie takes time, but this one is so much easier! I discovered that my Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie is actually better with a store-bought pie crust,” she noted. Garten emphasizes that the process is simple, requiring no mixers—just combine the ingredients, pour them into the crust, and bake.
For those curious about her preferred brand, Garten disclosed via direct message that she favors Wholly Wholesome. These organic 9-inch pie shells are vegan-friendly and contain no animal products, hydrogenated fats, or artificial additives. Available for approximately $6.79 at select retailers or online, they offer a convenient option for Thanksgiving baking.
In a YouTube video elaborating on her love for this pie crust, Garten states her philosophy: “If you can buy something really good at the store, or a bakery, there’s really no point in making it yourself.” This reinforces her famous catchphrase, “store-bought is fine.” After testing both homemade and store-bought crusts while developing her bourbon pecan pie recipe, she concluded that the store-bought variety was superior.
To keep the homemade essence intact, Garten recommends crimping the edges of the store-bought crust with a fork, making it look charmingly crafted. She also advises that the pie shells should be defrosted overnight in the fridge before beginning preparation.
With Ina Garten’s expert tips, this Thanksgiving might just become a little less stressful for home cooks, allowing more time for family and feasting. Enjoying delicious treats like Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie could be just the indulgence needed this holiday season.