A charming southern classic, this bourbon-kissed pie is a generic version of the popular Bluegrass dessert, Derby Pie®, a rich, chocolate chip-and-nut-filled trademark of Louisville-based Kern's Kitchen. The name "Run for the Roses Pie" coincides with the Kentucky Derby, the first leg of the Triple Crown...also called "The Run for the Roses" for the blanket of roses draped over the winner.

Run For The Roses Pie

1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted and cooled to room temperature
2 large eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons bourbon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped nuts
1 (9-inch) unbaked pie shell

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine sugar, flour, melted and cooled butter, beaten eggs, 2 tablespoons bourbon, vanilla, chocolate chips, and chopped nuts; mix well.
3. Pour into unbaked pie shell.
4. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes.

Makes 8 servings.