Molasses-Bourbon Pecan Pie

1 C. molasses
1 C. sugar
4 large eggs, beaten
3 Tbsp. bourbon, optional
2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
1 Tbsp. pure vanilla extract
pinch of kosher salt
2 C. pecan halves
1 9in. homemade or prepared deep dish pie crust

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. For filling, in a large bowl, stir together molasses, sugar, eggs, bourbon, butter, vanilla, and salt. Evenly spread pecans in unbaked pie shell. Pour filling over pecans.

Place pie on center rack of oven with a foil-lined baking sheet on the rack below to catch any filling that bubbles over. Bake 50 min. to 1 hr., until firm around edges and slightly loose in center. Cool on wire rack several hours.