I grew up in a rural southern farm family. Many of our desserts were "simple". Most were based on butter, sugar, eggs, flour, and fresh fruits that we grew.

This chess pie has always been one of my personal favorites. My mom made this for us often. It is now my kids favorite. Good food, good memories, make for family traditions.

Mom's Chess Pie

3 large eggs
1.5 cups sugar
1 stick butter (melted)
1 T meal
1 T plain flour
1 t vanilla
1 T white vinegar
1/8 t salt

Beat eggs with sugar until creamy. Add remaining ingredients and beat until well blended. Pour into prepared 9" pie crust. Place in preheated 375 degree oven. After 10 minutes, reduce heat to 325 degrees. Bake until knife inserted into the center comes out clean (the pie will still seem "jiggly" but will set up after it cools).

If you don't have a good pie crust recipe, try this one: Flaky Food Processor Pie Crust
Simple and decadent.

I love Chess pie - my mom used to make it as one of my birthday desserts. She also used to make Chocolate Chess Pie as well. I'll have to find that recipe and post it.

An 80 year old friend gave me her Uncle's recipe for Chess pie. It is easy and delicious. I will post it below.

Ray

Uncle Ben's Pie (Chess Pie)

1 uncooked pie shell
3 eggs,
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 tablespoon corn meal
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 lb. butter, melted

Stir together in bowl. Pour into an unbaked pie shell.

Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes, then 300 degrees for 30 minutes.