Lonestar Velveteen Pie

Background

The Lonestar Velveteen Pie is a modern take on a classic Southern dessert with a unique twist of flavors that capture the heart of Texas cuisine. This pie is inspired by the rich heritage of velvety pies that were popular in the Southern United States during the early 20th century. With its roots deeply entrenched in Southern hospitality, the Lonestar Velveteen Pie embodies the warmth and tradition of a time-honored dessert, reimagined with a contemporary palette in mind.

The story of velveteen pies is one that weaves together the lushness of cream-based fillings with the buttery, flaky goodness of homemade pie crusts. Served across gatherings and celebrations, pies of this variety became synonymous with joy and togetherness, and this recipe seeks to celebrate that history with each delicious bite.

Ingredients

• Pie Crust
• Unsalted Butter
• Sugar
• All-purpose Flour
• Cocoa Powder
• Sea Salt
• Evaporated Milk
• Eggs
• Vanilla Extract
• Dark Chocolate

Preparation

Preparing the Pie Crust

The foundation of a great pie is its crust. Begin by taking your pie crust out of the refrigerator and let it sit for a few minutes until it softens slightly, but remains cool. Roll out the pie crust on a lightly floured surface into a circle that fits your pie plate with a little overhang.

Gently place the pie crust into your pie plate, pressing it firmly against the sides. Trim the edges, leaving about an inch of overhang. Tuck the overhang underneath itself to create a thick edge and crimp it decoratively if desired. Use a fork to prick the bottom of the pie crust to prevent bubbling during baking.

Making the Filling

In a medium-sized saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, add in the sugar and stir until well combined. Slowly sift in the all-purpose flour and cocoa powder, stirring constantly to prevent clumping. Add a pinch of sea salt to balance the sweetness.

Gradually whisk in the evaporated milk until you have a smooth consistency. In a separate mixing bowl, beat the eggs and then temper them into the mixture by adding a small amount of the hot chocolate mixture to the eggs, stirring rapidly to avoid scrambling. Once mixed, add the egg mixture back to the saucepan.

Turn the heat up slightly and continue to stir the filling until it thickens to a custard-like consistency. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and dark chocolate chunks, allowing them to melt from the residual heat. Stir until you have a silky chocolate filling.

Cooking Process

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). pour the prepared filling into the cooled pie crust, spreading it out evenly. Bake the pie for about 30 to 40 minutes, or until the center is set and does not wobble excessively when the plate is gently shaken - here you might consider setting a cooking timer to ensure perfect timing. Remember, the filling should firm up as it cools.

Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling process, lasting around 2-3 hours, lets the flavors meld and the filling achieve its creamy texture. If you're eager to dive right in, a cooking timer will remind you not to cut into the pie too soon!

How to Enjoy the Lonestar Velveteen Pie

The Lonestar Velveteen Pie is best enjoyed when shared with loved ones, much like the Southern tradition it embodies. Pair a slice of the pie with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent experience. Whether served warm with melting accompaniments or enjoyed at room temperature, this pie is sure to please your palate.

Consider sipping on a freshly brewed cup of coffee or a warm, rich hot cocoa to complement the deep, velvety flavors of the pie. As you savor each bite, let the fusion of chocolate, butter, and the tender crust transport you to a cozy afternoon in Texas, surrounded by the laughter and kinship of friends and family.