December 20, 2015

Lemon Chess Pie – Best of Show

State Fair of Texas

Sometimes you want a simple and delicious dessert. Chess pies are classic and easy to make. This citrus sweet treat is a crowd-pleasing winner. It won “Best of Show” at the 2015 State Fair of Texas. Lisa Arnold took home top honors with it.

Make it with her favorite home-made crust recipe, or if you need a wonderful time-saver, try it with a pre-made pie crust like Immaculate Pie Crust. Either way, you will be in pie heaven!

-Cyndi

 

 

Lemon Chess Pie

 

Crust:

1 1/4 cups Gold Medal all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup butter-flavored shortening, chilled

3 tablespoons ice water, divided

 

 

Filling:

1 1/2 cups sugar

1 tablespoon Gold Medal all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon yellow cornmeal

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup (salted) butter melted

2 teaspoons grated lemon zest

1/3 cup fresh lemon juice

4 large eggs, lightly beaten

 

Pie Crust: Whisk the flour and salt together in medium size bowl. With a pastry blender, cut in shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Drizzle with 1 to 2 tablespoons ice water. Toss mixture with fork to moisten, adding more water a few drops at a time until dough comes together. Gently gather dough particles together into a ball. Wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes. Roll out dough and place in pie plate, crimping edges as desired.

Filling: Whisk together sugar, flour, cornmeal and salt. Add butter, lemon zest, juice and eggs. Whisk until smooth. Pour into pie crust. Bake at 350 degrees F 40-45 minutes or until center is set. Makes 8 servings.

-Recipe from Lisa, 2015 State Fair of Texas, Best-of-Show Chess Pie, Gold Medal Flour Best Baker Award