Jack Daniel's Distiller Dinner with Fudge Pie

My friend, Jeff Arnett, is sure doing his hometown proud all around the world these days. This Jackson native was named Master Distiller for Jack Daniel about a year ago. Jeff is only the seventh Master Distiller in the company’s history. The Master Distiller oversees the entire whiskey-making process of milling, yeasting, fermentation, distillation, charcoal mellowing and maturation. Wow that’s a mouthful.

Do you know the difference in Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey and bourbon? It’s the charcoal filters that it passes through, just like some people filter their drinking water to remove impurities. What’s left is a smooth caramel flavored whiskey made from corn and spring water in Lynchburg TN, population 361.
This time last year I hosted a dinner with Jeff as our honored guest and he led us through a tasting of Black Jack, Gentleman Jack and Single Barrel. My favorite was the Gentleman Jack, the smoothest of the three premium whiskeys. Jeff’s favorite is the Single Barrel which has more of a punch to it. Did you know that if you taste the whiskey by sticking just the tip of your tongue in the glass that it will taste really sweet? That’s because your sweet taste buds are located there. You can actually use Jack Daniel’s to cook with in place of vanilla flavoring.

Jack Daniel’s Fudge Pie
4 ounces unsweetened chocolate, cut into pieces
5 ounces (10 tablespoons) butter
2 large eggs
2 large egg yolks
1-3/4 cups sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup flour
1/4 cup Jack Daniels*
1 refrigerated unbaked pie crust, pressed into 9-inch pie pan
Powdered sugar and whipped cream for serving
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Melt unsweetened chocolate and butter in top of a double boiler. Combine eggs, egg yolks, sugar, salt, vanilla and flour. Whisk to combine. Whisk in Jack Daniels and reserved chocolate mixture. Pour mixture into prepared pie crust. Bake for 25 minutes until puffed, set and slightly crusty on top. Cool completely before serving. Sprinkle the pie with powdered sugar and serve with spiked whipped cream if desired.
*This pie bakes at an unusually high temperature to create its ultra-creamy interior and contrasting crusty exterior. Substitute orange juice or water with 1 teaspoon vanilla, if preferred.

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Corn Pudding, Slaw, Potato Salad, Corn Light Bread

Jack Daniel's Fudge Pie, TN Whiskey Mocha Creme Brulee

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