Today I brought a couple of pies to work for a coworker’s birthday. The bad thing about pies is that you can’t really taste them first to make sure they’re yummy, or everyone will see that you’ve taken a bite. Thankfully, both of these were delicious! I think everyone enjoyed them, and they’re definite repeaters. They’re much easier than they sound.

Chocolate Coconut Pecan Pie

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup (packed) golden brown sugar
• 1/3 cup light corn syrup
• 2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 3 large eggs
• 3/4 cup sweetened shredded coconut
• 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 3/4 cup whole pecans
• 1 (9-inch) frozen deep-dish pie crust

Place a large baking sheet on oven rack and preheat to 350ËšF.

Whisk sugar, brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, vanilla extract and salt in a large bowl to blend. Whisk in eggs. Stir in coconut, chocolate chips and pecans. Pour filling into frozen pie crust. Place pie on baking sheet in oven; bake until crust is golden brown and filling is set in center, about 40 minutes. Transfer pie to rack and cool slightly. Serve warm.

Notes: I followed the directions on the frozen pie crust, letting it thaw for about 10 minutes, then baking it for about 10 minutes before adding the filling. I also covered the edges of the crust with foil before baking with the filling.

Makes 8 servings.

Source: old magazine clipping.

Caramel Apple Pie

• 1 (9-inch) deep dish frozen pie crust
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 8 cups sliced, peeled Granny Smith apples (about 2 1/2 pounds, or 4 large apples)
• 1/3 cup fat-free caramel sundae syrup
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 8 teaspoons chilled butter, cut into small pieces
• 2 tablespoons regular oats

Preheat oven to 375ËšF.

Combine granulated sugar, cornstarch, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, salt and nutmeg in a bowl; sprinkle over apples. Toss gently. Stir in caramel. Spoon apple mixture into crust.

Combine 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, flour, and brown sugar in a bowl; cut in butter with a pastry blender or 2 knives until mixture resembles coarse meal. Stir in oats. Sprinkle oat mixture evenly over apple mixture. Bake for 40 minutes or until crust is golden. Cool on a wire rack.

Notes: I followed the directions on the frozen pie crust, letting it thaw for about 10 minutes, then baking it for about 10 minutes before adding the filling. I also covered the edges of the crust with foil before baking with the filling.

Makes 8 servings.

Source: old magazine clipping.