Chess Pies
Dateline: 06/29/99
Chess Pies are very sweet pies that originated on the farm, especially the Southern farm. They are a natural farm dessert because everything necessary for the simple chess pie can be found easily: eggs, sugar, butter, and cream. Flour is also needed for the crust. When the farmers had more access to different ingredients these pies were flavored. Two other ingredients you are also likely to find are vinegar and cornmeal. Vinegar adds a sweet and sour flavor and cornmeal enhances the texture of the pie. A Lemon Chess Pie is very common, and is made with either the addition of lemon extract or lemon juice. Other pies evolved like chocolate and the more exotic, coconut.
A chess pie is a wonderful surprise, and so easy to make. The ingredients are simply mixed together, put in the unbaked pie shell and then baked for a half-hour or so. It's amazing how something so simple can taste so good. The flavorings are up to the baker. To me, a Pecan Pie is similar to a Chess Pie. The custard-like portion under the pecans is just like the texture of the Chess Pie.
Enjoy and try to make a Chess Pie today!
Chess Pie Recipe Links
Apple Chess Pie
Besides Washington State apples, brown sugar is also used.
Black Walnut Chess Pie
Evaporated milk is used in this recipe from Pastrywiz.
Buttermilk Chess Pie
Texas Monthly offers this recipe that calls for Southern Comfort and a Raspberry Sauce.
Double Chocolate Chess Pie
Usenet offered this recipe which calls for unsweetened chocolate and creme de cacao liqueur.
Lemon Chess Pie
This recipe is from Debbie's Country Cookin' Archives.
Lowfat Chess Pie
I found this recipe on cbt.net. Butter flavoring and skim evaporated milk is used.
Pineapple Chess Pie
The Internet Chef offers this version of Chess Pie.
Raisin Chess Pie
Not only are raisins in this pie but coconut and pecans, too! This recipe is from Bed and Breakfast of Montgomery.
Sibyl's Buttermilk Chess Pies
This recipe, from my fellow About.com guide, Diana Rattray, calls for nutmeg and buttermilk.
