African American Holiday Traditions

[amIblue?]

Chess pie is the bomb-diggity. My mom makes a chocolate chess sometimes which is just a slice of heaven.

[Munchkin03]

Originally Posted by amIblue?

Chess pie is the bomb-diggity. My mom makes a chocolate chess sometimes which is just a slice of heaven.

Okay, that sounds good.

One of my family's Christmas traditions is a brunch. We're Black so I guess that makes it an African-American tradition. I think we'd serve shellfish, but my grandmother is seriously allergic to it (ie, can't even be in the same room as someone who's had it and hasn't washed their face/hands).

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by Munchkin03

One of my family's Christmas traditions is a brunch. We're Black so I guess that makes it an African-American tradition.

"Flag on the play! Misuse of Black Card! 40 Acres Penalty!"

~ Black Folks Referee

This thread has made me hungry.

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by Munchkin03

It's like pecan pie without the pecans.

Exactly how I was going to describe it. The kind of chess pie my mother usually made was one she called syrup pie. I loved it when I was a kid.

[Jill1228]

Originally Posted by DrPhil

"Flag on the play! Misuse of Black Card! 40 Acres Penalty!"

~ Black Folks Referee

This thread has made me hungry.

I'd rather be outside in freezing cold than be in a house where chitterlings are being cooked (my grandmother makes them on New Years). I don't go near that stuff

And don't get me started on sweet potato pie--I don't do sweet potatoes
My Caucasian Canadian husband cooks collard greens better than I do

My grandmother told me to hand in my Black Card and give it to my DH

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by Jill1228

I'd rather be outside in freezing cold than be in a house where chitterlings are being cooked (my grandmother makes them on New Years). I don't go near that stuff

You are not alone. My nuclear family kicks relatives out for having the nerve to bring uncooked chitterlings. We don't eat chitterlings but we are not opposed to a relative who brings COOKED chitterlings. They will be the only one eating it but at least we don't have to smell it too much.

Originally Posted by Jill1228

And don't get me started on sweet potato pie--I don't do sweet potatoes
My Caucasian Canadian husband cooks collard greens better than I do

My grandmother told me to hand in my Black Card and give it to my DH

LOL. You may lose your Black Card but your healthy card will hopefully be alive and well. Sweet potatoes and chitterlings are not the best for our health.

[DSTRen13]

Originally Posted by amIblue?

Chess pie is the bomb-diggity. My mom makes a chocolate chess sometimes which is just a slice of heaven.

I *love* chocolate chess pie! No one outside my family ever seems to know what I'm talking about, but it's so good

[AOIIalum]

Originally Posted by DSTRen13

I *love* chocolate chess pie! No one outside my family ever seems to know what I'm talking about, but it's so good

I haven't had a good Chess Pie in about 11 years. Anyone have a good (meaning=idiot proof) recipe? I'd love one for Chocolate Chess but at this point I'm not picky.

[TonyB06]

I don't do chocolate chess pie, but here's a recipe for Lemon Chess Pie:

1 (6-oz.) ready-made shortbread piecrust
1 egg white, lightly beaten
4 large eggs, separated
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup melted butter
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice

Garnishes: whipped cream, fresh raspberries

Preparation
1. Preheat oven to 350°. Brush piecrust with beaten egg white. Bake 6 minutes. Remove from oven, and cool completely on a wire rack (about 30 minutes).
2. Beat 4 egg whites at high speed with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.
3. Whisk together 4 egg yolks, sugar, and melted butter in a large bowl until blended. Stir in lemon juice. Fold in egg whites. Pour mixture into cooled piecrust, and place pie on a baking sheet.
4. Bake at 350° for 25 to 30 minutes or until set, shielding edges with aluminum foil after 20 minutes to prevent excessive browning. Remove from oven to wire rack, and cool completely (about 1 hour). Garnish, if desired.