Do you have a civil war chess pie recipe?!

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

Chess pie has been widely served throughout the South since about the time of the Civil War. The place of origin is a mystery. It is sometimes claimed that this was originally called “cheese pie,” or that “chess pie” is from the words “jes’ pie” (just pie), but the origin of the name is a mystery as well.

“Chess cake” is cited in print in 1861 and 1864, and contains similar ingredients of eggs, butter, sugar and flour. The chess cakes were made in patty pans; perhaps the “chess” name derives from the image of a chessboard.

But the best story about “chess” pies goes something like this: In answer to the endless questions of a hungry, clinging child, “What’s for dinner, Mama?,” a poor tired mama probably answered, “Jes’ pie, honey, jes’ pie,” as she whipped up the “chess” pie.

Texas is famous for its pecan pie, and chess pie has been called “pecan pie without the pecans.”
============================
Buttermilk Chess Pie With Southern Comfort Raspberry Sauce

Dough
2 cups flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon kosher salt
8 tablespoons butter (1 stick), divided into several pieces
1/3 cup shortening, divided into several pieces
1/4 cup ice water

In a food processor combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the butter and shortening. Process (or pulse) until the mixture is coarse. Add the water slowly, being careful not to over process. Remove the dough, roll out on a floured surface, and place in a 9-inch pie pan. (You will have dough left over; sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon, then bake it for a snack.)
==========================
Filling
1 1/4 cups sugar
1 tablespoon flour
4 eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1 tablespoon lime juice
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 tablespoon grated nutmeg (fresh-grated makes all the difference)
8 tablespoons butter (1 stick), melted

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a bowl mix all of the ingredients except the butter, then whisk it in. Pour into the prepared crust and bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick or knife blade inserted in the center comes out clean. Serve with Southern Comfort raspberry sauce (recipe below).
===========================
Southern Comfort Raspberry Sauce
12 ounces fresh or frozen raspberries (or your favorite berry)
4 tablespoons Southern Comfort
3 tablespoons sugar
4 tablespoons water

Place all of the ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes or until the berries are soft. Transfer the mixture to a blender and purèe. Pass the purèe through a fine strainer, such as a chinois, pressing with the back of a spoon to extract all of the liquid.
=============================
CHOCOLATE CHESS PIE
Serves 6-8

1 1/2 cups sugar
6 T. unsweetened cocoa
2 T. flour
1/4 t. salt
1/2 cup whole milk
3 eggs
6 T. unsalted butter, melted and cooled
2 t. vanilla
1 9-inch pie shell, partially baked

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Follow instructions for mixing and baking “Brown Sugar Chess Pie”. Serve topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, if desired.
===========================
LEMON CHESS PIE
Serves 6-8

1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 T. cornstarch
4 eggs
4 T. whipping cream
4 T. lemon juice, freshly squeezed
4 T. unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1 1/2 t. grated lemon peel
1 partially baked 9-inch pie crust

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Mix and bake as for “Brown Sugar Pie”. Serve topped with whipped cream, if desired.
YYF*******************************

1 9" unbaked pie shell
1 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1 tablespoon cornmeal
5 eggs
1/3 cup whipping cream
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup melted butter



1 Combine granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and corn meal. 2 Beat in eggs one at a time. 3 Stir in whipping cream, cider vinegar, vanilla extract, and melted butter. 4 Pour into unbaked pie shell. 5 Bake on middle rack at 400 F for 10 minutes. 6 Lower heat to 325 F and continue baking for 45 minutes more

Me ACF CMPC