Lemon Chess Pie

Lemon Chess Pie Recipe - A Classic American Dessert

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Lemon Chess Pie is a classic Southern dessert that is sweet, tangy, and incredibly delicious. This pie is perfect for any occasion and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

History

Chess pie is a traditional dessert that originated in the Southern United States. The exact origins of the recipe are unclear, but it is believed to have been brought over by English settlers. Lemon Chess Pie is a variation of the classic chess pie, which typically consists of sugar, butter, eggs, and a small amount of cornmeal.

Ingredients

1.5 cups of sugar
4 eggs
1 tbsp of cornmeal
1 tbsp of flour
0.5 cups of melted butter
0.5 cups of lemon juice or juice and rind of 1 lemon
pie shell

How to prepare

Combine the sugar, flour, and meal. Toss them together.
Add the eggs, lemon juice, and butter. Mix them well.
Pour the mixture into an unbaked pie shell.
Bake for 45 minutes at 350°F (177°C)

Variations

You can add a meringue topping to the pie for a more decadent dessert.
For a twist on the classic recipe, you can add other citrus fruits such as lime or orange.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to mix the ingredients well to ensure a smooth and creamy filling.

- Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough pie crust.

- For a more intense lemon flavor, you can add lemon zest to the filling.

- To prevent the crust from burning, you can cover the edges with foil halfway through baking.

Serving Suggestions

Lemon Chess Pie is best served chilled with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to preheat your oven before baking the pie to ensure even cooking.

- Use a pie shield or foil to prevent the crust from burning during baking.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have cornmeal, you can substitute with an equal amount of flour.

- You can use margarine or vegetable oil as a substitute for butter.

Make Ahead Tips

Lemon Chess Pie can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the pie with lemon slices or zest for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Lemon Chess Pie pairs well with a cup of hot tea or coffee.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover pie in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10-15 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Lemon Chess Pie contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Lemon Chess Pie contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Lemon Chess Pie contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Lemon Chess Pie contains approximately 4 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Lemon Chess Pie is a good source of vitamin C, which is essential for a healthy immune system.

Alergens

Lemon Chess Pie contains eggs, dairy, and wheat.

Summary

Lemon Chess Pie is a delicious dessert that is high in carbohydrates and fats. It is a good source of vitamin C and provides a moderate amount of protein.

Summary

Lemon Chess Pie is a delightful dessert that is easy to make and full of flavor. Whether you're serving it at a family gathering or a dinner party, this pie is sure to be a hit with everyone.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still picture the first time I came across this recipe for Lemon Chess Pie. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small town in the South. My mother and I were visiting our neighbor, Mrs. Jenkins, for afternoon tea. Mrs. Jenkins was known for her delicious pies, and that day she had made a lemon chess pie that was simply divine.

As soon as I took my first bite, I knew I had to learn how to make it myself. The sweet and tangy lemon filling, with its creamy texture and crisp crust, was unlike anything I had ever tasted before. Mrs. Jenkins was kind enough to share her recipe with me, and I have been making it ever since.

The secret to a perfect lemon chess pie, Mrs. Jenkins told me, is in the balance of flavors. You need just the right amount of sweetness to offset the tartness of the lemons, and a creamy texture that melts in your mouth. She showed me how to make the perfect pie crust, with just the right amount of butter and flour to make it flaky and crisp.

I practiced making the pie over and over again, tweaking the recipe here and there until it was just right. I would often bring my creations to family gatherings and church potlucks, where they were always a hit. People would rave about my lemon chess pie, and I would smile knowing that I had learned from the best.

Over the years, I have made this pie countless times, each one as delicious as the last. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition of making this special dessert. It has become a staple in our household, a favorite treat that brings back memories of that first taste at Mrs. Jenkins' house.

To this day, whenever I make a lemon chess pie, I think of Mrs. Jenkins and the day she shared her recipe with me. It reminds me of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories and traditions that last a lifetime. And it reminds me of the joy I feel when I am in the kitchen, creating something delicious to share with the ones I love.

So here it is, my recipe for Lemon Chess Pie, passed down to me by Mrs. Jenkins and perfected over the years. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I have, and that it brings you as much joy and happiness as it has brought me. Happy baking!