Buttermilk Pie

This just may be one of my all time favorite pies.  

It has such a unique flavor-a cross between a custard, lemon meringue, and cheesecake.  I had this as a child and have been working to create my ideal recipe.  I found a great version on food wishes.blogspot.com from Chef Jon.  I've slightly adjusted his recipe.  You may want to watch his video here--He's so entertaining and it is helpful to see the steps in real time when making something for the first time.  Let me know what you think!

Image from Southern Living.

Ingredients for one pie:

1  9" Pie crust rolled out.

**Poke crust a few times with a fork around bottom and sides.  Prebake crust at 350 F. for 15-20 minutes, let cool while you make filling.

For the filling:

1 1/2 cups white sugar

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temp

1/3 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

4 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

zest from one lemon

juice from one lemon

3 drops lemon essential oil (NOT extract)

1 cup buttermilk

-Combine butter and sugar.  Using a whisk add all other ingredients and mix until smooth.

- Pour filling into prefaced pie crust.  Bake for another 45-55 minutes, or until the filling is golden and “set.”
-Serve with fresh berries and whipped cream (either warm, cold, or room temperature).