Dale'S Apricot Chess Pie
A luscious apricot chess pie featuring sweet dried apricots and a rich custard filling, perfect for dessert lovers seeking a fruity, comforting treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cover the bottom of a 10-inch unbaked pie shell with the cooked and sweetened dried apricots.
- Mix the beaten eggs, sugar, melted margarine, milk, and cornmeal together (excluding nutmeg) until well combined.
- Pour the mixture carefully over the apricots in the pie shell.
- Sprinkle nutmeg evenly over the top of the filling.
- Bake at 400°F for 10 minutes.
- Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the filling is set and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of Dale's Apricot Chess Pie, consider using fresh apricots if they're in season for a brighter taste. If you prefer a richer filling, substitute half of the milk with heavy cream. Ensure the margarine is melted before mixing for a smoother consistency. Adding a pinch of salt can also balance the sweetness beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Dale's Apricot Chess Pie slightly chilled or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a delightful contrast, consider serving it alongside Cheesy Red Onions as a savory side. A cup of coffee or tea complements this dessert nicely, making it perfect for afternoon gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pie in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, where it will keep for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dale'S Apricot Chess Pie contains roughly 552 calories, with 6g protein, 107g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (54% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (45% of the Daily Value), and iron (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 648mg per serving (28% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh apricots instead of dried?
Yes, you can use fresh apricots, but you'll need to adjust the sweetness since they are less sweet than dried. Make sure to cook and sweeten them before adding to the pie to achieve the desired flavor and texture.
How can I make this pie gluten-free?
To make Dale's Apricot Chess Pie gluten-free, simply replace regular cornmeal with a gluten-free cornmeal. Additionally, ensure that your pie shell is made from gluten-free ingredients or opt for a homemade crust using gluten-free flour.
What is the best way to tell if the pie is done baking?
The pie is done when the filling is set and slightly golden on top. You can gently jiggle the pie; if the center is firm and doesn't wobble excessively, it's ready. Allow it to cool for a bit before slicing for the best results.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).