Who remembers their first bite of a really good bourbon pecan pie? I sure remember mine. It was always my favorite pie growing up but when I finally had a chocolate bourbon pecan pie, it was a game changer. I remember it so vividly. I was 19 and at the time I was living in Vancouver BC, one of the most beautiful cities I’ve explored to date. I was studying photography at a wonderful art university, Emily Carr University of Art and Design, which was located on Granville island next to the food market. I met and made the most wonderful friends, who are still some of my favorite people in this world. One night after a long photoshoot session, my two friends and I wanted to grab a bite to eat. It was autumn in the city which was my favorite time of year in Vancouver. The city of glass would reflect perfectly with the silky wet roads and reflective skyscrapers. The cold air made you feel so cozy, but alive. My breath was visible with each step I took. I would walk below the ever-changing leaves on the trees, as I wrapped woven scarves around my head to stay warm. The smell of chimney smoke and lingering aromas of hops and barley from local breweries enveloped my nostrils. This time will always be so nostalgic for me.

Anyway, we were walking along West 4th Ave in Kitsilano trying to find something to eat. I remember we all felt very indecisive from the pure exhaustion of school work, until we walked up to “Aphrodite’s Organic Pie Shop”. The three of us looked at each other and said, “I mean there is pie…..it’s not dinner but…it’s pie, that counts.” We laughed and walked on in. It was clear we were all in agreement without even saying, “Yeah, this is it. I’m tired of walking. Let’s just go here.” As we walked inside, we were greeted by bustling staff. It was an intimate neighborhood spot that was clearly a big hit to many others, as it was packed. We managed to get a table pretty quickly and it took us only a couple of minutes to decide what we were ordering. One of my friends ordered the Classic Cherry Pie and the other ordered the Chocolate Mousse Pie, which both sounded delicious. I personally knew within seconds that I was going to order their Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie. I had always thought chocolate belonged in bourbon pecan pie but had not tried to make one yet. As we waited for our pies, we mused at our discovery of the novel pie spot, until our sweet dishes arrived. I took one bite and thought, “how have I been eating pecan pie my whole life without chocolate?” From then on, I have always put chocolate in any bourbon pecan recipes. I even loved it so much that for two years in a row, Nick ordered that exact pie from Aphrodite’s for my 20th and 21st Birthday.

As we devoured our pies, we couldn’t help but trade and taste each of the offerings. I first tried my dearest friend’s order, which was the Cherry Pie. As I went from my slice to hers, a lightbulb went off. This was such a good combination of flavors! I thought one day I was going to have to develop a pie recipe from this experience, incorporating these ingredients. Writing about this memory brings back one of the happiest times in my life, with two of my favorite people. Living in Vancouver and finding my chosen family in Canada, while finding myself, was an incredible four years that I really hold dear to my heart. I miss them everyday and wish we all lived next door to each other. All I have to say is, thank you technology. I am so happy I get to talk with them and see them as much as I can. When I talk to them it feels like home.

Now that we are all grown adults and live all over the world, which still feels weird to say but it’s the truth, I thought it was a good time to revive this idea I had over eleven years ago. I want to dedicate this creation to my soul sister who loves all things cherry and this recipe wouldn’t be a memory without her ordering that Classic Cherry Pie.

While workshopping these ingredients I decided I wanted to add another flavor to contrast with the sweetness of the cheries and bring out the nuttiness of the pecans. I went down lists of ideas until Nick and I finally decided that we wanted to try sesame. The problem is that sesame seeds…well…don’t taste enough like sesame. Tahini is great but nut butters are heavy and bog down a baked good. Then Nick remembered what he’d heard about bennecake flour. If we were to incorporate it into the crust, it would give the pie crust a super nutty, roasty kick.

What is Bennecake Flour?

Bennecake flour is made from benne seeds that have been pressed to extract oil then stone ground into a fine powder. Benne seed is the OG sesame seed. It tastes like what a sesame seed SHOULD taste like, if that makes any sense. African slaves brought benne to the new world, where it was prized for its rich flavor and hearty nutritional value. As the crop made its way from the hidden slave gardens into commodity fields, the genetics were modified to prioritize oil production over flavor. What it lost was a nuanced coffee-like roastiness, roundly nutty while pleasantly bitter. Benne was likely lost to time were it not for the Antebellum preservationists at Anson Mills. They resurrected the 19th century benne seed and made available the only bennecake flower on the retail market.

“Bennecake, the central ingredient in benne bread, benne biscuits, and benne cakes, is powerful, its flavor reminiscent of toasted peanuts, but intertwined with a wildflower tang, and a sensation of verdancy and vigor.”
ANson millls

I knew this idea might feel strange to some, but as a recipe developer, I don’t think you should always play it safe with flavors, you have to dream and experiment. So off I went with the main ingredients or pecan, bourbon, cherry, chocolate and Benne Flour, with fingers crossed in my apron pockets.

What are the health benefits of cherries?

Cherries are loaded with antioxidants and anti inflammatory compounds. They also have a good source of vitamin C, potassium and may have heart benefits. Cherries can also improve symptoms of arthritis, gout and studies have shown that it can even improve sleep quality.¹

What are the health benefits of pecans?

Pecan have many health benefits like fiber, Stabilizing your blood sugar and fatty acids that help promote brain function. The fatty acids also improves heart health and can help with skin health.¹

What are the health benefits of benne seeds?

Benne Seeds are a nutritious source of plant protein, Vitamin B and is a good source of fiber. It may lower cholesterol, triglycerides and lower blood pressure. It also could support healthy bones, reduce inflammation, aid blood cell formation and blood sugar control. All while being rich in antioxidants and helping with your immunity. Studies have also found it can help balance hormones during menopause, thyroid health and arthritis, Wow, now that’s a superfood!¹

In the end this recipe turned out to be very complex with deep velvety flavors. It’s a dish that makes you want to pour a wonderful peaty islay scotch, cut a slice and go sit by the fireplace. Then you enjoy each bite while the fire crackles in the distance. Hey, but that’s just me, everyone has their own cozy rituals. What I can say is that nostalgia and food are such big parts of everyone’s life, I hope this pushes you to not just try this recipe but also to look back at warm memories of your own. Think about food creations that could express those moments, it’s a very therapeutic time in the kitchen.

Now go have some fun and remember, bake with intention that nature is love and love is food.

Cheers!