Classic Southern Christmas Recipes
A Classic Southern Christmas Pie
by Amy Tankersley
If you go on my walking tour, you’ll burn up enough calories to break even at the end of the day after eating a piece (or two) of this Lowcountry holiday staple. And when you see me, don’t ask for any baking tips, because I don’t cook. I got this recipe from one of the free publications you can pick up anywhere in town, “Charleston Gateway”. But I have eaten this pie, and so I am qualified to say, “It’s Fabulous”.
Chess Pie
Pie crust for one crust pie
2 cups sugar
2 tablespoons cornmeal
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup butter or margarine, melted
¼ cup milk
1 tablespoon white vinegar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
4 large eggs, lightly beaten
Fit pie crust into a 9 inch pie plate, fold edges under, and crimp. Bake at 425 degrees for 4 to 5 minutes, using pie weights (or dried beans), in
aluminum foil-lined crust. Remove weights and foil, and bake 2 more minutes or until golden. Cool. Stir together next 8 ingredients until blended. Add eggs, stirring well. Pour into pie crust. Bake at 350 degrees for 50 to 55 minutes, shielding edges with aluminum after 10 minutes to prevent excessive browning. Cool completely on a wire rack.
Do you see what I mean? I could build a treehouse faster than that, and I have built a few. I mean, whoever heard of a “pie weight”? But if creating a great mixed drink counts as a “domestic skill”, then I am saved. Mix up this bad-boy and serve it to your significant other one chilly night, and see what happens.
Cranberry Christmas Toddy
You’ll need Cranberry Juice Cocktail, an apple, cinnamon sticks, and Bourbon. Heat up the juice on the stove, and put in cinnamon sticks and cut-up apple chunks. Heat until you think the apples and cinnamon flavors are infused into the juice. Pour into 2 mugs, leaving plenty of room to top off with bourbon. I suppose you could use another liquor if you want, but I don’t want to hear about it. I will
assume you have already created the proper setting. Fire is crucial- whether a real fireplace, or lots of candles. Music is mandatory. Now “Make Merry”.
Wishing you Yuletide Cheer,
Amy