Coffee-Toffee Pecan Pie

3 ounces (6 tablespoons) unsalted butter frac34; cup packed dark brown sugar frac34; cup light or dark corn syrup frac12; cup Lyle's Golden Syrup (see note) 3 large eggs, at room temperature 2 tablespoons bourbon 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract frac34; teaspoon table salt cup very finely chopped toasted pecans 2 cups toasted pecan halves 1 pre-baked all-butter piecrust#160; frac12; cup crushed chocolate toffee candy pieces, such as Heath or Skor

Position a rack in the center of the oven, set a heavy-duty rimmed baking sheet on the rack, and heat the oven to 375 degrees.In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and cook, swirling the pan occasionally, until the butter is brown, 3-5 minutes. Immediately whisk in the brown sugar, corn syrup and Lyle's Golden Syrup until smooth. Remove the pan from the heat and let cool slightly. One at a time, whisk in the eggs. Whisk in the bourbon, espresso powder, vanilla and salt. Stir in the chopped pecans.Sprinkle half of the pecan halves in the piecrust, followed by the toffee candy pieces, and then the remaining pecan halves. Pour the syrup mixture over all.Put the pie on the heated baking sheet and reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees. Bake until set, 45 to 55 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through baking. When the pan is nudged, the center of the pie will no longer wobble, but the whole pie will jiggle just slightly, and the filling will bubble at the edges.Transfer to a rack and cool completely before serving. The pie can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Serves eight.

Cook's note: If you can't find Lyle's Golden Syrup, use two parts light corn syrup plus one part molasses or equal parts honey and corn syrup.

Nutrition values per serving: 810 calories, 49 g fat (17 g saturated), 87 g carbohydrates, 4 g fiber, 8 g protein, 135 mg cholesterol, 430 mg sodium.

#8220;The Best of Fine Cooking: Make-Ahead Holidays#8221; (Tauton 2010)