Imagine sinking your fork into a slice of the most exquisite custard pie that has ever graced your taste buds. This recipe, crowned as the champion in the Custard Pie Category at the prestigious 1999 American Pie Council’s National Pie Championship, is nothing short of pure culinary bliss. Let me take you on a journey through this timeless dessert that will leave you longing for just one more heavenly bite.
For years, I had been on the hunt for the perfect custard pie recipe. And then, like a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered, I stumbled upon this gem. With a mix of excitement and curiosity, I embarked on the culinary adventure of recreating this prize-winning masterpiece. I followed the recipe diligently, except for one modern twist – I chose not to scald the milk. In this day and age of advanced pasteurization, there’s no need to worry about bacteria or enzymes. By skipping this step, I ensured that the delicate balance of flavors remained intact, while also reducing the risk of overcooking the eggs. The ease with which this pie came together amazed me. With just a few simple steps, I combined the ingredients in a bowl, whisked them together for a mere minute, poured the luscious mixture into the waiting pie shell, and placed it in the oven. The only problem? This pie disappeared faster than I could savor a single slice. Each person who experienced its divine taste was instantly captivated and clamoring for the recipe. Even those who claimed to be indifferent towards egg custard pie found themselves singing a different tune after that initial, unforgettable bite. This recipe truly is a treasure worth sharing.
Allow me to guide you through the process of creating your own heavenly Homemade Custard Pie. As someone who cherishes the joy of learning, I relish the opportunity to delve into new recipes, even at the ripe age of 61. While this recipe is far from complicated, there are a couple of key points I’d like to highlight.
Whether you opt for a store-bought pie crust or prefer to craft your own, it is essential to par bake the crust for approximately 20 to 25 minutes before filling it with the delicate custard. For my rendition, I chose an all-butter homemade pie crust that added an extra layer of indulgence to the final creation.
Scalding the milk, an age-old technique, involves gently heating the milk to a warm temperature without bringing it to a boil. It takes just a few minutes to achieve this, using a saucepan with a sturdy metal bottom to prevent any scorching. As the milk heats, stirring it ensures that no unsightly film forms on its surface. This step ensures that the custard reaches its ultimate velvety texture.
Without further ado, let’s dive into the enchanting recipe of The Old Fashioned Custard Pie:
Ingredients:
- 1 unbaked pie shell (I personally adore the depth of Marie Callendar’s deep-dish crust)
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg
- 2-2/3 cups of milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to a tantalizing 350 degrees, creating the perfect environment for your custard to transform into sheer perfection.
- Begin by lightly beating the eggs, infusing them with a touch of airiness. To this mixture, add the sugar, salt, nutmeg, and milk. Whisk with enthusiasm, blending all the ingredients until they harmonize into a velvety symphony of flavors.
- Carefully pour this heavenly
concoction into the awaiting embrace of the unbaked pie shell, ensuring a smooth and even distribution. 4. Slide your creation into the preheated oven, where it shall bake for approximately 35 to 40 minutes. As the divine aroma wafts through your kitchen, prepare to be enchanted by the golden beauty that emerges.
- Once your custard pie has reached a state of baked perfection, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool, embracing the anticipation of the flavors melding together.
- To elevate the presentation and tease the taste buds, sprinkle the top of the pie with a dash of freshly ground nutmeg. The delicate fragrance will entice and enthrall all who lay their eyes upon this masterpiece.
- Now, my dear connoisseur of all things divine, it is time to serve. Slice into this creation of sheer delight, allowing your fork to glide effortlessly through the smooth custard. Take a bite and let the flavors dance upon your palate, transporting you to a realm of culinary euphoria.
Embrace the joy of savoring each blissful moment with this Old Fashioned Custard Pie. Share it with loved ones, for its allure knows no bounds. Allow this recipe to become a part of your culinary repertoire, a testament to the timeless art of pie-making. Remember, there’s always room for one more slice of perfection.
Bon appétit!
