{Southern Sunday}: Mamaw's Chess Pie

So it has been a long week and I have been rather quiet.  So sorry everyone!  The A-Team has been rather sick with colds, ear infections, croup, and teething and not only has it been busy, it's been exhausting. But now everyone seems to be on the mend and I am back to sharing.  Hopefully just in time for you to start planning for your Thanksgiving get-togethers.  This pie has always been a family favorite of ours.  In fact I decided to share it with you for a very specific reason, so if you don't mind a little digression, here's why.


A little over a week ago, the world was shocked by several attacks, one in particular being the events that happened in Paris.  It hurt to watch the turmoil there and see the people hurting simply due to hate.  I, like many, shed a lot of tears over it.  My heart broke for those that were hurt, lost, or had no idea where their loved ones were.  But, selfishly, that wasn't the biggest reason my heart hurt.  My heart was crushed, because it was in that moment that I realized I couldn't protect my kids from everything.  Had we have been in those locations, I could have tried my best and shielded them, but it might have only slowed down the inevitable.  I guess you could say that broke me down a little.  To know as a mom, I would give my life for my kids, and that might not be enough to spare theirs.  It took me a few hours to regain my composure and to hit my knees and pray for some strength and some insight into how to help my kids.  What is the answer Lord?  What is it?  Well I was quickly reminded of Deuteronomy 3:22: "Do not fear them, for the Lord your God is the one fighting for you."


With this on my mind, I decided to bring myself back to a place where I knew of no such terror, but only of happy thoughts and daily devotionals and that was at my Mamaw's house as a kid.  I don't recall her ever raising her voice, even if I was bad.  She even let me cut her hair...when I was about 5.  I can't imagine how embarrassed she was to go out the next day!  But she never showed it.  Her house was a place I could just do whatever I wanted and be loved and usually involved this pie in some way.  So I am sharing it with you all in hopes that it brings you all a little happiness and a blessed and wonderful time with your family this entire holiday season!

Mamaw's Chess Pie

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 stick of butter (softened)
• 3 eggs
• 1 Tbsp cornmeal
• 1 Tbsp all purpose flour
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 2 Tbsp whole milk
• 1 tsp white vinegar
• 1 unbaked 9'' pie shell

Directions

• Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
• Cream butter and sugar until combined using mixer.
• Beat in eggs one at a time.
• Add remaining ingredients and mix until well combined.
• Pour into unbaked pie shell and bake for 45 - 60 minutes, or until a rich golden brown on top and set to the touch.