My birthday was last week. By the time we got around to a birthday dinner with my family, I was already a little sick of cake. We were doing a simple, hearty surf-and-turf menu, so I thought a Derby Pie would provide a nice contrast for dessert. Well, you know, what I mean. 

Derby Pie is, of course, a trademark of Louisville's  Kern's Kitchen bakery. Every other restaurant, bakery, and home cook in the Bluegrass State has a different name for it: Pegasus Pie, May Day Pie, Run for the Roses Pie, etc. The idea remains. Chocolate chips and nuts. It's pretty delicious, whatever you call it. 

I opted for pecans rather than the traditional walnuts, simply because I  prefer their flavor. I added a good healthy swig of Maker's Mark because, well, why wouldn't you? For time's sake, I used a pre-made pie crust, but didn't cut corners with the homemade whipped cream. I don't think anybody minded the tradeoff.

Bourbon Pecan Pie with Maker's Mark:

• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/4 cup bourbon
• 3/4 cup chocolate chips
• 3/4 cup pecans or 3/4 cup walnuts
• 9 inch unbaked pie shell

Combine ingredients in a medium bowl. Stir with fork and pour into pie shell. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes or until browned.