Vinegar Pie

Vinegar pie is an old-time custard pie closely related to the chess pie, but not quite as sweet as the vinegar cuts down on the sweetness. There are many versions, this one includes sour cream for a smoother texture, is spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg and studded with raisins.

Recipe Ingredients:

Crust:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup vegetable shortening
4 tablespoons butter
1 large egg
4 tablespoons ice water

Filling:
5 large eggs
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons melted butter, cooled
3 tablespoons cider vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup sour cream
Lightly sweetened whipped cream (optional garnish)

Cooking Directions:

1. Sift flour and salt together into a large mixing bowl.
2. Rub shortening and butter into flour mixture with your fingers until dough resembles coarse cornmeal.
3. Add egg, then 4 tablespoons ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, and mix until dough holds together.
4. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate 1 hour.
5. For the filling, beat eggs with a whisk in a large mixing bowl.
6. Add flour, sugar, butter, vinegar, vanilla, raisins, cinnamon, nutmeg and sour cream. Stir just until mixed.
7. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
8. Roll out dough into a 12-inch round on a floured work surface.
9. Ease dough into a 9-inch pie pan and crimp edges.
10. Add filling and bake until top is golden, about 1 hour. There will be tiny bubbles on the surface, but filling should not wiggle when pan is shaken.
11. Serve warm, or refrigerate and serve cold. Top with whipped cream if desired.

Makes 8 servings.