Caramelized Apple Pecan Pie

Directions

1. 1
   Melt and cool one stick of butter, set aside.
2. 2
   Peel and core the apples, cut into 1/2-inch diceed pieces.
3. 3
   Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and place pecans on a baking sheet; roast about 7 minutes, or until toasty; transfer to a plate to cool; Reduce oven heat to 325 degrees.
4. 4
   In a large, non-stick skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of the butter with the 1/4 sugar over high heat; add the apples, stirring frequently, cook until browned: Add brandy and cook until evaporated, let cool.
5. 5
   In a large bowl, combine brown sugar and corn syrup, flour and cooled melted butter; beat in eggs and vanilla.
6. 6
   Spoon caramelized apples into a ten inch pie crust; pour the custard over the top; scatter the pecans on the top of the custard, pressing in and pecans that protrude.
7. 7
   Bake for about 1 hour or until custard is set, If crust browns too quickly, cover loosley with a piece of foil (release foil works great), Best served with whipped mascarpone cheese or whipped cream.