If you haven’t picked up on it yet, I identify pretty strongly as an Indiana girl.
I’m a Hoosier through-and-through. But there is another state out there that, as much as it pains me to admit, also has part of my heart. I grew up about 30 minutes north of the Ohio River and, while I may try to deny it, the Bluegrass State has always (and will always be) a huge part of who I am. I was born in Kentucky. My first “real” job was in Kentucky. I bought my prom dresses in Kentucky.
If Indiana is my favorite pair of jeans, Kentucky is the comfortable sweatshirt that I secretly love, but wouldn’t dare be caught dead wearing in public.
No offense, Kentuckians.
Growing up so close to Louisville means that the Kentucky Derby was a huge part of my childhood. I marched in the Pegasus Parade in high school. I watched Thunder Over Louisville from the bow of the Belle of Louisville when I was a kid. I wore my Pegasus Pin proudly to school. I happily enjoyed the “administrative holiday” from school that just happened to fall on the Oaks. And I ate my fair share of Derby Pie.
For those of you not from the area, Derby Pie is a chocolate, walnut and bourbon pie that was created at the Melrose Inn in Prospect, Kentucky. It’s, uh, the best thing in the world. Imagine pecan pie, but with walnuts. Plus chocolate and booze. It is my absolute favorite pie on the planet. It’s even in the running for my favorite dessert on the planet. It’s that good. And being that the Kentucky Derby is this Saturday, it seemed only fitting that I have a go at making this Bluegrass favorite.
The interesting part? I’ve never actually been to Churchill Downs. I’ve stood outside of it. I’ve watched the Derby on TV, but actually don a fancy hat and bet on the horses? Never. Hopefully now that I’m moving home, we’ll make it to the twin spires in the next few years.
Bite-Sized Vegan Chocolate Bourbon Pies
The chocolate-bourbon-walnut combo cannot be conquered—even with copious ground flaxseed and whole wheat flour.
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup white flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 stick vegan margarine, cut into small cubes and frozen
- 4-5 tablespoons ice cold water
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup honey, agave or maple syrup
- 2 flax eggs
- 1/2 cup melted vegan margarine
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (vegan)
- 2 tablespoons bourbon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- Pinch of Salt
Instructions
- To make crust, in the bowl of a food processor, add flours, sugar and salt. Pulse to combine. Add in frozen margarine pieces and pulse until pieces are about the size of peas. Add in water, one tablespoon at a time, until dough holds together when squeezed. Dump dough out onto a floured surface and form into two discs. Wrap in plastic wrap and stash in fridge for at least an hour to chill.
- When ready to make pies, preheat oven to 350°. Remove one dough disc from the fridge and roll out on a floured surface until about 1/8 inch thick. Using a circle pastry cutter or glass, cut circles out of the dough. Line the cups of a non-stick mini muffin tin with the dough circles.
- For the filling, combine all ingredients in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Spoon about a tablespoon of the filling into each muffin cup. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until filling has solidified. Let cool for 5 minutes then remove from muffin tin and cool completely on racks. Repeat with remaining dough and filling.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 36 Serving Size: 1 pieAmount Per Serving: Calories: 139Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 35mgCarbohydrates: 14gFiber: 1gSugar: 8gProtein: 2g
At Wholefully, we believe that good nutrition is about much more than just the numbers on the nutrition facts panel. Please use the above information as only a small part of what helps you decide what foods are nourishing for you.
