Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Chess Pie for National Pie Day

***Wednesday, January 23rd is National Pie Day***
It's not often I'm intimidated by the thought of making a pie, but I have to tell ya, this Yankee was nervous. I've never had Chess Pie before and I know it's a revered southern classic, so I did some research... The most common problem seemed to be whether the pie sets up or not, some folks were left with a wet, gooey middle. My personal issue was with the amount of sugar called for, 2 cups! I just couldn't add that much sugar, nope-just-can't-do-it. So after reading recipes and reviews I chose a recipe that seemed to address these two issues and ended up with a great pie!

My top did crack, but I'm ok with that:@)
This is the perfect pie for when you want something for dessert but don't have fruit handy.
Very sweet and rich but you'll love every bite!

Some folks have asked where Earl's been, while he'd like to say he's been vacationing in Cabo...
The truth is he's been on a diet since New Years, he's trying to look a little less... succulent:@)
So in his best Soup Nazi accent...
PS-Have you tried Ribbet.com for photo editing? It's the old Picnik-woo hoo!

Chess Pie-from Oldcountrystore
3 eggs
1 1/2 C sugar-I might try 1 1/4 C next time
1 1/2 Tblsp A/P flour
1 1/2 tsp corn meal
1 tsp white vinegar
1/4 C milk
1 tsp vanilla
1 stick butter (8 Tblsp), melted
  1. Beat eggs, add sugar, flour and cornmeal, mix well with spoon or spatula.
  2. Mix in vinegar, milk and vanilla.
  3. Add the butter last, mix well.
  4. Pour into unbaked 9" pie crust.
  5. Bake at 350 for 50 minutes or until firm in the middle. I baked mine for 60 minutes, turned the oven off, opened the door to look at it, then I left it in the oven with the door closed for another 60 minutes.
Tips:
  • Just stir this together with a spoon/spatula, no kitchen electrics.
  • I've read the addition of flour in this recipe helps set the custard.
  • Many folks call for leaving the pie in the oven to cool after the 50 minutes are up, I've read that helps set the custard too. I chose to do that.
  • The corn meal is supposed to rise and get brown, it's makes a great crust.
  • I used 2% milk, I have no doubt you could use anything: buttermilk, evaporated milk, any type of cream or half and half.

29 comments:

  1. Yours looks completely yummy! I've never made it myself, and now you make me want to.

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  2. I have heard of Chess Pie, but never knew what was in it. It looks delicious!

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  3. I've heard of this pie too! Love the old-fashioned recipes!

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  4. lol... I am trying to look a little less... succulent too, and your delicious looking pie isn't helping one bit :)

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  5. Why is Earl anti-pie? ;P I love chess pie. I'll make my family a buttermilk pie for Pie Day.

    xo,
    RJ

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  6. Welcome to the Southern side, Lynn! Your pie looks wonderful. Perhaps you already found this resource, but the Southern Living web site has tips on adapting traditional Southern dishes to use less sugar, fat, etc.

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  7. I need to join Earl in his endeavor, so no pie for me, unless I deliver it to someone else! I may enjoy a virtual pie or two, and yours looks luscious! xo

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  8. I've had this kind of pie and it is very good and different. I'm trying to wear a hat like Earl's right now...my treat these days are the 90 calorie Snickers Ice Cream bars. Now, I want pie!

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  9. Mmmm I'll take Earl's slice as that chess pie looks delicious to me. I could care less about cracks, too, Lynn. I personally love the home baked look! Happy Pie Day! xo

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  10. Poor ole Earl,has to think about dieting and your cookin' this most amazing pie!
    I'd have to figure out a way round that sugar also.
    ~Jo @ LoblollyLane

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  11. I've never made this pie but have had some at a great church dinner...Yummy indeed! Oh Earl, I'm on the same diet!
    hugs, Linda

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  12. This South Carolina girl adores cheese pie of course. I do not make pies so I have never baked one. You did good Lynn it looks just how I remember them and they are very sweet.

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  13. Chess pie, I am having visual issues and am having trouble typing and reading. I likely called it that when I was younger-I loved renaming stuff.

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  14. I don't think I've ever tasted chess pie but I can tell I would like it! Don't think I'm going to get a pie made for the occasion.

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  15. I moved to the Eastern Shore of MD and worked at a bakery where they made Lemon Chess Pie. It quickly turned into my favorite pie. My husband asked me what my favorite pie was and now he makes it for me at least once a year. I highly recommend checking out a few different recipes for Lemon Chess pie for next time. We use the one out of the Betty Crocker cookbook with a little more lemon juice added.

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  16. My mil is always on about her Chess Pie but I've never actually experienced it myself. I think it's something besides chess she is playing with her boasts. Maybe I will make your recipe and show her how it's done.

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  17. I have always wanted to make a chess pie! I have never tasted one, but the ingredients are kind of weird to me. Like vinegar.
    I'd have no problem with the 2 cups of sugar, unfortunately!
    I see you have been engaging in one of my favorite pastimes....cutting food with scissors!

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  18. ok, never mind my vinegar comment. I haven't looked at the tiny amount added. duh!

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  19. Your chess pie looks absolutely delicious.

    www.modernworld4.blogspot.com

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  20. Yum Lynn. My cousin makes a chess cake. I wonder if it is the same thing. I have never made it but now I have a recipe. Thanks!
    xo, Jeanne

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  21. Dang...I missed Nat. Pie Day! Just as well, as neither of us need the calories.
    Yours looks delicious. I've had shoe fly pie, which is very similar, I think. I've never made either one though. Too much sugar for the diabetic DH. *Boo-Hoo!*

    I may, however, try making your apricot jam with the 1/2 Splenda 1/2sugar substitute. He would LOVE that!
    I love your new kitchen snips. I'm a gadget guru & will jump at the chance to buy a new toy. LOL

    Warm Hugs,
    Rett

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  22. Lynn, I haven't had Chess Pie or Lemon Chess Pie in ages and I hate I let National Pie Day slip by without acknowledging it with a slice :) You're the third person in a day that has mentioned Ribbet, I need to check it out :)

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  23. How did I miss National Pie Day? It looks yummy, but I kept looking for the cheese in it. And then I reread the title. I guess I just have cheese on the mind today!

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  24. Oh yummy! When I get cracks in pies or cheesecakes, I just use it as an excuse to add whipped cream on top :) It is a win-win. If you don't mind I wanted to invite you to come link up at Recipe Sharing Monday and share your favorite recipes. Have a super week. :)

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  25. Hi Lynn,
    I can't wait to try your Chess Pie, that is one of my favorites! Hope you have a great weekend and thanks for sharing your tasty recipe with Full Plate Thursday.
    Come Back Soon!
    Miz Helen

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  26. Now that's a pie we could make without a trip to the store : )

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  27. I've heard of Chess Pie and I've been wanting to make it ever since. It sounds amazing! Yours looks wonderful!!!

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  28. Congratulations!
    Your recipe is featured on Full Plate Thursday this week. Hope you enjoy your new Red Plate and come back soon!
    Miz Helen

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