Thanksgiving Favorite

This week is such a special one of reflecting on all of the blessings in my life. Every day I wake up in gratitude for Iron 9 Pilates, and all of the love and support that I've received throughout the birth of the business, the growth, and of course, the transition. It is said that the most important day of a {wo}man's life is the day that {she} finds her purpose. I consider myself immensely blessed to have found my passion, purpose and calling. I consider myself doubly immensely blessed that I find true joy in my calling, and I don't need to choose between my career and family. And for that, I have all yall to thank.

ANYWAY. I used to laugh at the blog posts that promised a recipe but first I'd have to read a sappy essay the length of 'The Lord of the Rings' to get to. So here's my all time favorite Thanksgiving recipe that is a lighter version of a dessert I don't even typically care for. Something about this fool-proof, simple / decadent recipe makes the crust taste homemade (it's not). The only recommendation I'd make is to save a piece for your post Thanksgiving coffee on Black Friday.

Happiest Thanksgiving, to you and yours. Although this year is probably vastly different than others, I so encourage you to take a moment to write down three things that you are grateful for. Because, as my mama says, "once you start counting your blessings you realize that they're endless."

Oatmeal Pecan Pie

Recipe by Cooking Light November 2006 (which means I have made this recipe for the past 14 years. wow.)

Ingredients

• ½ (15-ounce) package refrigerated pie dough (such as Pillsbury)

• Cooking spray

• 1 cup packed dark brown sugar

• 1 cup light corn syrup

• ⅔ cup regular oats

• ½ cup chopped pecans

• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

• 2 large egg whites, lightly beaten

Instructions

• Step 1Preheat oven to 325°.

• Step 2Roll dough into an 11-inch circle. Fit into a 9-inch pie plate coated with cooking spray. Fold edges under; flute.

• Step 3Combine brown sugar and remaining ingredients, stirring well with a whisk. Pour into prepared crust. Bake at 325° for 50 minutes or until center is set. Cool completely on a wire rack.

Nutrition Facts (but seriously, compare the nutrition info to a typical pecan pie!)

Per Serving: 311 calories; calories from fat 33%; fat 11.3g; saturated fat 3.5g; mono fat 5g; poly fat 2.6g; protein 3.2g; carbohydrates 51.4g; fiber 1g; cholesterol 42mg; iron 0.8mg; sodium 181mg; calcium 30mg.