ARCADIAN:

French Canadian Maple Sugar Walnut Pie (Richard Sax, November 08, 2007, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

* Single crust for a 9-inch pie
* 3 large eggs
* 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons firmly packed brown sugar
* 3/4 cup pure maple syrup (dark amber)
* 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
* 1/4 cup brewed tea (such as English breakfast tea)
* 2 tablespoons plus 1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
* Pinch of salt
* 3/4 cup coarsely chopped walnuts

Line a 9-inch glass pie plate with the pastry and refrigerate. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.

Whisk together the eggs and sugar in a large bowl. Add the maple syrup, butter, tea, vinegar and salt, whisking until smooth. Stir in the walnuts.

Place the pie shell on a heavy baking sheet and pour in the filling.

Place on the center rack of the oven and bake for 10 minutes. Then reduce oven to 350 degrees and continue to bake until the center is set, about 25 minutes longer. Cool on a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature. This is good cold, too. Makes about 8 servings.