Possum Pie Recipe: A Delicious Dessert!

Alright, gather ’round, y’all! Let me tell you about a dessert that’s near and dear to my heart: the Possum Pie Recipe. Now, before you get any funny ideas, let me assure you, there’s no actual possum involved! This Possum Pie Recipe is a decadent chocolate dream, and it’s been a family favorite for generations.

I remember the first time I made this Possum Pie Recipe. I was trying to impress my then-boyfriend (now my wonderful husband!), and I thought, “What’s more impressive than a pie that sounds outrageous but tastes heavenly?” Well, let me tell you, the crust was a crumbly mess, the filling was either too runny or too thick, and I almost set the broiler on fire trying to toast the meringue. It was a disaster! But, bless his heart, he ate every bite and told me it was the best thing he’d ever tasted. That’s when I knew he was a keeper!

Over the years, I’ve tweaked and perfected my Possum Pie Recipe. I’ve learned a few tricks along the way, like chilling the crust dough properly (a lesson learned the hard way!), and I’ve discovered the secret to a perfectly glossy meringue. Now, it’s a family tradition, requested at every holiday gathering and special occasion. It’s truly the perfect Possum Pie Dessert.

Life’s busy, right? Between school runs, soccer practice, and trying to keep up with the never-ending laundry, it’s hard to find time to bake. But this Possum Pie Recipe is surprisingly easy, especially once you get the hang of it. I often whip it up on a weeknight, just to bring a little joy to our dinner table. It’s proof that you don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques to create something truly special.

My philosophy in the kitchen has always been about creating nourishing, shareable food that brings people together. And this Possum Pie Recipe embodies that perfectly. It’s a reminder that the best memories are often made around a table, sharing a delicious meal with the people you love.

So, come on, let’s get baking! I promise, even if you’re a beginner baker, you can make this Possum Pie Recipe. And who knows, maybe it will become a family favorite in your house too. I often pair this with something savory, like my hearty Broccoli Cheddar Soup with Shells. It’s the perfect balance!

What You’ll Need for This Possum Pie Recipe

Alright, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make my version of this classic pie. Remember that a crucial element for this Possum Pie Recipe to work is fresh, high-quality ingredients.

Ingredients for making Possum Pie laid out on a wooden surface

For the Crust:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 4-6 tablespoons ice water

For the Chocolate Filling:

  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 3 cups milk
  • 3 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
  • 4 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Meringue:

  • 3 large egg whites
  • ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 6 tablespoons granulated sugar

I always use good quality chocolate for my Possum Pie Recipe. It makes a huge difference in the flavor. When making Possum Pie Recipe, you can usually find unsweetened chocolate in the baking aisle of most grocery stores. Sometimes it is even called baking chocolate.

Here’s a Possum Pie Recipe trick I learned from my grandmother: use a pastry blender to cut the butter into the flour for the crust. It creates a flakier, more tender crust.

For busy families, you can definitely use a store-bought pie crust to save time. Just make sure it’s a good quality one. You can also save some money by buying chocolate in bulk. It’s more cost-effective, especially if you bake a lot.

To store leftover ingredients for your Possum Pie Recipe, keep the butter and chocolate in the refrigerator, and the flour and sugar in airtight containers in a cool, dry place.

Let’s Make This Possum Pie Recipe Together

Okay, now for the fun part! Let’s get our hands dirty and make this Possum Pie Recipe together. Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through every step of the way.

  1. Make the Crust: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Cut in the butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial, so don’t skip it. Chilling will allow the gluten to relax.
  2. Roll and Bake the Crust: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a 12-inch circle. Transfer it to a 9-inch pie plate. Trim and crimp the edges. I learned the hard way with Possum Pie Recipe that blind baking the crust is essential to prevent a soggy bottom.
  3. Blind Bake the Crust: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line the pie crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove the parchment paper and pie weights and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. Let the crust cool completely.
  4. Make the Chocolate Filling: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, flour, and salt. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Stir in the egg yolks. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil. Reduce heat and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Your Possum Pie Recipe should smell like rich, creamy chocolate!
  5. Add Chocolate and Butter: Remove from heat and stir in the chocolate and butter until melted and smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract. Pour the filling into the cooled pie crust.
  6. Make the Meringue: In a clean, dry glass or metal bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Add the cream of tartar and gradually beat in the sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, until stiff, glossy peaks form. This is key for a beautiful Easy Possum Pie.
  7. Top with Meringue: Spread the meringue evenly over the chocolate filling, making sure to seal it to the edges of the crust. Create swirls with the back of a spoon.
  8. Bake or Broil: Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the meringue is lightly golden brown. Alternatively, you can broil the meringue for a minute or two, watching closely to prevent burning. In my kitchen, Possum Pie Recipe usually takes about 13 minutes to achieve the perfect color.
  9. Cool and Chill: Let the pie cool completely before refrigerating for at least 2 hours before serving. This will allow the filling to set properly.

While the Possum Pie Recipe is baking, I usually clean up the kitchen and maybe catch up on my favorite show. Or sometimes, I sneak a little taste of the chocolate filling! This Possum Pie Recipe reminds me of my Lasagna Soup, another comforting and rich dish perfect for family gatherings.

How I Love to Serve This Possum Pie Recipe

My family loves this Possum Pie Recipe when I serve it with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings. It’s the perfect combination of creamy, chocolatey, and slightly tangy from the meringue.

This Possum Pie Recipe is perfect for holidays, birthdays, or any special occasion. It’s also a great dessert to bring to potlucks or parties. Presentation is key! I like to dust the top with a little cocoa powder for a more sophisticated look.

If you have extra Possum Pie Recipe, it’s delicious cold, straight from the fridge. Sometimes, I even sneak a piece for breakfast! I like to serve mine with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect comfort food experience.

For seasonal variations, you can add a layer of fresh berries under the meringue in the summer, or a sprinkle of chopped pecans on top in the fall. Friends always ask for this Possum Pie Recipe recipe, and they’re always surprised at how easy it is to make!

The Ozark Possum Pie is best enjoyed with good company and a hot cup of coffee.

Your Possum Pie Recipe Questions Answered

Okay, let’s tackle some common questions I get about this Possum Pie Recipe. Don’t worry, I’ve been there, and I’ve made plenty of mistakes along the way!

Q: My crust always shrinks when I bake it. What am I doing wrong?

A: You know what I do when my Possum Pie Recipe crust shrinks? Make sure you’re chilling the dough for long enough and that you’re not overworking it. Overworked dough will shrink when it bakes. Also, make sure your oven is at the correct temperature. I always preheat mine for at least 20 minutes before baking.

Q: My meringue is always runny. How can I make it stiff and glossy?

A: The key to a stiff meringue is to use a clean, dry bowl and to make sure there’s no yolk in the egg whites. Also, add the sugar gradually, while beating the egg whites on high speed. I accidentally added the sugar too fast once, and my meringue was a disaster!

Q: Can I use a different type of chocolate for the filling?

A: Absolutely! You can use semi-sweet or milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter filling. Just adjust the amount of sugar accordingly. My family prefers the richness of unsweetened chocolate, but feel free to experiment. For more tips on meringue, check out Arkansas Possum Pie – House of Nash Eats.

Q: Can I make this pie ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make the crust and filling ahead of time and assemble the pie just before serving. However, I recommend making the meringue right before serving, as it tends to weep if it sits for too long.

Q: My meringue is browning too quickly in the oven. What should I do?

A: If your meringue is browning too quickly, you can tent it with foil or lower the oven temperature. I’ve also had success placing a pan of water on the bottom rack of the oven to create steam, which helps to prevent the meringue from burning.

Q: Can I freeze this pie?

A: I don’t recommend freezing the entire pie, as the meringue can become watery and the crust can get soggy. However, you can freeze the crust dough before baking or the chocolate filling before assembling the pie. It’s always a learning curve with this Possum Pie Recipe.

Q: Where does the name Possum Pie come from?

A: The Possum Pie Origin is shrouded in a bit of mystery, but many believe it’s a quirky Ozark tradition! Some stories say it was a way to use up leftovers, while others claim the name is just a playful twist. You can learn more about the history of Possum Pie Dessert here: IDEA ALLEY: The deep history of Possum Pie, a classic Arkansas ….

My Final Thoughts on This Possum Pie Recipe

This Possum Pie Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it represents so many wonderful memories with my family. It’s a reminder of laughter, love, and delicious food shared around our dinner table.

My Possum Pie Pro Tips:

  • Chill the crust dough for at least 30 minutes (or even longer!) for a flaky, tender crust.
  • Use a clean, dry bowl and make sure there’s no yolk in the egg whites for a perfect meringue.
  • Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of chocolate for the filling.

Here are a few variations I’ve tried with my family: a peanut butter cup Chocolate Possum Pie by adding peanut butter chips to the filling, a peppermint bark Possum Pie Recipe during the holidays, or a coconut cream Possum Pie Recipe by adding coconut extract to the filling and topping with toasted coconut flakes.

My son loves the peanut butter version, while my daughter prefers the classic chocolate. And my husband? He loves them all! He always tells me that I should sell my Possum Pie Recipe!

A delicious slice of Possum Pie on a plate

I hope you’ll try this Possum Pie Recipe and make it your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun in the kitchen. The most important thing is to create something that you and your family will enjoy. If you’re looking for new friends who share a similar love for baking, check out this Facebook group for some authentic conversations around this treat. If you love this recipe, you’ll surely enjoy my Spicy Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese for a contrasting taste experience.

So, go ahead, give it a try! I’m confident that you can make this Possum Pie Recipe and create some wonderful memories in your own kitchen. Happy baking!

 

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Possum Pie Recipe

Delicious Slice of Possum Pie

This Possum Pie recipe is a unique and surprisingly delicious dish, featuring a savory filling baked in a flaky crust. It’s a classic Southern comfort food that’s sure to spark conversation!

  • Author: Liliana
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 60 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (9-inch) pie crust, unbaked
  • 1 pound ground possum meat (or substitute ground pork or beef)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1/2 cup chopped celery
  • 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and celery and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add garlic and bell pepper and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Add ground possum (or substitute) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
  5. Stir in beef broth, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper.
  6. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir well to combine. Cook until the sauce has thickened slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
  7. Pour the mixture into the unbaked pie crust.
  8. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
  9. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Serve warm with a side of mashed potatoes or coleslaw for a complete meal. For a richer flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the filling.

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