Chess pie

A traditional Southern pie made with a simple filling of eggs, sugar, butter, and buttermilk

A slice of buttermilk chess pie

Chess pie is a classic Southern dessert known for its simple ingredients and rich, sweet flavor. The pie is characterized by a filling made primarily of eggs, sugar, butter, and buttermilk, which is baked in a pie crust.

History

The origins of chess pie are somewhat unclear, but it is believed to have been developed in the Southern United States. The name "chess pie" is thought to have derived from a variety of sources, including a mispronunciation of "cheese pie" or a reference to "chest pie," as the pie could be stored in a pie chest without refrigeration.

Ingredients and Preparation

Chess pie is made with a few basic ingredients:

• Eggs
• Sugar
• Butter
• Buttermilk
• Cornmeal or flour
• Vanilla extract
• Vinegar or lemon juice

The preparation involves mixing the ingredients to form a custard-like filling, which is then poured into a pre-baked pie crust. The pie is baked until the filling is set and the top is golden brown.

Variations

There are several variations of chess pie, including:

• Buttermilk chess pie: Uses buttermilk in the filling for a tangy flavor.
• Lemon chess pie: Incorporates lemon juice and zest for a citrusy twist.
• Chocolate chess pie: Adds cocoa powder or melted chocolate to the filling for a rich, chocolate flavor.

Serving

Chess pie is typically served at room temperature or chilled. It can be enjoyed plain or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Related pages

• Pecan pie
• Sweet potato pie
• Custard pie