IMPOSSIBLE PIE
Though the northeast will forever be considered my home, I spent my high school years in the south, basically learning how to adjust. A Jersey girl through and through, I just tried to blend any way I could. I was too busy sneaking out to dance clubs in downtown Atlanta and cussing up a storm to care too much about food.
Sure, I got my fill of buttery grits and biscuits topped with white sausage gravy. I also ate enough fried chicken and pecan pies to make me an honorary southerner, I’m sure of that. For a teen who didn’t put any effort into it, I did pretty well sampling bits and pieces of the southern food spectrum. But I never had chess pie.
I don’t know if it was just too sweet or if the texture turned off my elementary tastes, but a new friend forced me to eat a slice at a lunch-only cafeteria (called a meat-and-three) in Nashville a few months ago. When she heard I had never had the stuff, she didn’t even ask. She just slid a piece between us and, heh-heh-helloooo, I am now a chess pie convert.
My husband is in Nashville a lot. Life and Paris and gift boxes (all lovely diversions!) make it so I often miss out on repeat visits and repeat slices of this heavenly pie. Thanks to March’s Food and Wine, I now have an easy to whip up alternative. Sugarland’s lead singer Jennifer Nettles shared her great-grandmother’s riff on the traditional southern treat. I know it’s not true chess pie but it’s homemade and hits the spot. And like I always say, there’s no pie I like better than homemade pie.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Impossible Pie is a delightful treat that brings together the charm of southern comfort food with the ease of a simple recipe. It’s a fantastic option for both seasoned bakers and those new to the kitchen. The blend of sweet coconut, rich butter, and creamy texture will surely make it a favorite at any gathering.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Oven
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Two 9-inch glass pie plates
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 stick unsalted butter, melted, plus more for greasing
- 1 3/4 cups sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup self-rising flour
- 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 2 cups milk
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and butter two 9-inch glass pie plates.
- In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter with the sugar. Add the eggs and beat until smooth.
- Stir in the flour, coconut, and milk.
- Divide the mixture between the pie plates and bake in the lower third of the oven for about 1 hour, until the pies are firm to the touch and golden.
- Transfer the pies to a rack and cool completely before serving.
- The pies can be refrigerated overnight. Return them to room temperature before serving.
Tips for Success
Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature before you begin to help them mix more evenly. Keep an eye on the pies during the last 15 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.
Additional Tips or Variations
If you want to add a twist, consider mixing in some lemon zest for a citrusy kick or a bit of vanilla extract for extra flavor depth. You can also top the pie with whipped cream or fresh berries for a refreshing finish.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
Calories: 350, Fat: 15g, Carbohydrates: 47g, Protein: 5g, Sugar: 32g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this pie ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature before serving.
What can I use instead of self-rising flour? You can substitute with all-purpose flour and add 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
Conclusion
This Impossible Pie is a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that captures the essence of southern hospitality. I encourage you to try it out and share your experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this pie is sure to impress. Enjoy a slice and feel free to share your variations or tips in the comments below!
Source: allrecipes.com
