Lemon Chess Pie

I've had this recipe sitting in my files for years. I don't even know where it came from. I would see it in there and think, "I really should try that recipe," but something held me back. I've never made or even tasted any kind of chess pie and wasn't sure if I'd like it.  Of course, how would I know if I never tried it?

So, today I took the plunge. It's a gray and cold day and I wanted to bake something new. I had all the ingredients and no excuse not to.

So how did it turn out? Great! It was really good. Tasted like a cross between a lemon cream and a lemon meringue pie. Smooth and creamy and nicely tart and lemony.  Definitely best when completely cooled. We got a little eager and cut it too soon!

Lemon Chess Pie

4 eggs at room temperature
1-1/2 cups sugar
1 TB white or yellow cornmeal
1 TB flour
1/2 tsp salt (omit if you use salted butter)
1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled to room temperature
1/2 cup buttermilk* at room temperature
1/3 cup lemon juice at room temperature
1 TB finely grated lemon zest
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust**
Whipped cream for serving

Preheat the oven to 350-F.

In a large bowl, briefly whisk the eggs to blend. Add remaining ingredients in order, one at a time, whisking after each addition to make sure it has been incorporated.

Pour the filling into the unbaked pie crust. Bake in the middle of the oven for 30-40 minutes, until the pie is golden on top and almost set.  The center of the pie should be slightly loose; it will set as it cools. Remove the pie to a cooling rack and cool completely before serving.

*If you don't have buttermilk on hand, put 1/2 tsp vinegar or lemon juice in 1/2 cup liquid measuring cup and add milk. Let sit a few minutes.

** Please take a few minutes to make your own pie crust. It is so worth it!

Pie Crust
1-1/2 cups flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup Crisco
4-5 TB ice cold water

Whisk together flour and salt.  Add Crisco in small dallops, and cut in with pastry cutter.  Add ice water 1 TB at a time and mix with a fork.  When dough is workable, turn out onto a floured surface and roll with a rolling pin until large enough to put into  the pie plate.   Fold the circle in 1/2 to transfer to pie dish. Open it up, press into plate and crimp edges.  Fill and bake as directed.


Happy Baking!