recipes or literature. Cultural context Pecan pie is often mentioned in American literature (and television) and is associated with Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other special occasions; for example: Pecan pie is a staple of the Southern U.S., and is often used in literary context as a symbol of the South; for example: The Texas Legislature designated pecan pie as the official "State Pie of Texas" in 2013. Variations Alice Colombo's Race Day chocolate pecan pie This pie is named after Alice Colombo, who was a food editor for the Louisville Courier-Journal in Kentucky. This pie was made by her on the occasion of the Kentucky Derby. The special ingredients suggested in the recipe include cornstarch, to soften the top, bourbon, chocolate chips and whipped cream. Butterscotch Characterized by the addition of butterscotch chips and brown sugar (in addition to, not in place of, corn syrup). Chocolate brownie This pie has nuts on the surface and it is layered with chocolate pudding and fudge. It is served at room temperature or chilled. Maple Includes maple syrup and almond extract. Pecan tassies Pecan tassies are a mini variation of a pecan pie, baked in small cups (traditionally) or more commonly in mini-muffin pans. The recipe first appeared in US newspapers in the 1950-60s, and was also shown in the movie Steel Magnolias. The origin of the name is unclear, but most recipes mention that "tassie" is the Scottish word for little cup or glass, and that in French a small cup is "la tasse." Whiskey chocolate chip In this pie, chocolate chips and a few teaspoons of Jack Daniel whiskey are added. See also List of pies, tarts and flans List of Christmas dishes Peanut pie References External links American pies Christmas food Cuisine of the Southern United States Nut dishes Sweet pies Thanksgiving food Pecan