Entree: United States – Southern United States – State Fair Pie (A classic Southern single-crust sugar-and-egg custard pie often sold at fairs, related to chess pie)

Serving Size: 8

Approximate Time

Prep 30 min

Cook 45 min

Additional 2 hrs

Total 3 hrs 15 min

Ingredients

- For the crust:
- 1 1/4 cups (155 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) kosher salt
- 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, cold and cut into 1/2-inch (1.3 cm) cubes
- 3–4 tbsp (45–60 ml) ice water
- For the filling:
- 1 1/4 cups (250 g) granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp (16 g) yellow cornmeal
- 3 tbsp (42 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs (approx. 100 g), lightly beaten
- 1 tsp (5 ml) pure vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice) (15 g)
- 1/4 tsp (1.5 g) kosher salt
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk (120 g)
- Optional garnish:
- 1 cup (240 ml) lightly whipped heavy cream or whipped cream for serving

Instructions

1. Make the crust: In a medium bowl combine the flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter with a pastry cutter or two knives until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces. Sprinkle 3 tbsp (45 ml) ice water over the mixture and toss until dough just comes together; add the extra tablespoon if needed. Form into a disk, wrap, and chill at least 30 minutes.
2. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface into a 12-inch (30 cm) circle and fit into a 9-inch (23 cm) pie plate. Trim and crimp the edges. Place the crust in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling.
3. Whisk together the granulated sugar, cornmeal, and salt in a bowl. Add the melted butter, beaten eggs, vanilla, vinegar, and milk, whisking until smooth and fully combined.
4. Pour the filling into the chilled pie shell and place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any spills. Bake for 35–45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is just set (a slight jiggle is fine); the edges will puff slightly.
5. Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack to room temperature, about 2 hours. The pie will settle and the center will finish setting as it cools.
6. Serve slices at room temperature with a dollop of whipped cream if desired. Store covered in the refrigerator up to 3 days.