Molasses Pie. Mrs. L. M. Denison. Recipe

Molasses pie is a delightful dessert that has become a staple in many households, known for its rich, sweet flavor and comforting aroma. This old-fashioned recipe has been passed down through generations, treasured for its simplicity and deliciousness. Today, I will share with you a recipe for Molasses Pie, inspired by Mrs. L. M. Denison.

Before we dive into the recipe, let's take a moment to appreciate the history behind this delectable treat. Molasses, a byproduct of sugarcane or sugar beets, has been used as a sweetener for centuries. It was popularized in the United States during colonial times when refined white sugar was expensive and scarce. Molasses quickly became a go-to ingredient, adding depth and richness to various dishes.

Now, let's get started with the Molasses Pie recipe!

Ingredients:
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 cup of molasses
- 1 cup of cold water
- 1/2 cup of butter or lard
- 4 cups of flour
- 1 tablespoonful of cinnamon
- 1 teaspoonful of soda

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a pie crust of your choice.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, molasses, cold water, and melted butter or lard. Stir until well combined.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, and baking soda.

4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the molasses mixture, mixing well after each addition. Continue mixing until a smooth, slightly sticky dough forms.

5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to fit your pie dish. Gently place the rolled-out dough into the prepared pie dish, trimming any excess dough hanging over the edges.

6. Pour the molasses filling into the pie crust and smooth the top with a spatula.

7. Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.

8. Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for at least 20 minutes before serving.

Slice and serve this luscious Molasses Pie as is, or top it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence. The combination of the sweet molasses filling and the warm, flaky crust will surely delight your taste buds.

Fun Fact: Molasses pie has its roots in American colonial cuisine, where it was often enjoyed during the autumn and winter months. The use of molasses in baking became particularly popular in New England, where molasses was more readily available due to the region's proximity to seaports involved in the sugar trade.

Similar Recipes:
- Shoofly Pie: This traditional Pennsylvania Dutch dessert is similar to Molasses Pie and also features a rich molasses filling. It is typically topped with a crumbly streusel made from flour, brown sugar, and butter.
- Treacle Tart: This British dessert is made with golden syrup, which is a thick, sweet syrup similar to molasses. The tart filling is often flavored with lemon juice and is typically served with clotted cream or ice cream.

So, whether you're looking to carry on a treasured family recipe or try something new, Molasses Pie is an excellent choice. Get ready to savor the comforting, nostalgic flavors of this wonderful dessert. Enjoy!