Sometimes mere is better . That ’s certainly the example with these honest-to-goodness - fashioned Proto-Indo European , which have been unjustly relegate to the back of therecipe boxful . Made from just a few canonic fixings , they still manage to be rich and full of flavor . separate out the apron and the rolling pin , and give them a try .

1. Chess Pie

The beauty of this pie is in its simplicity . experience as a “ desperation Proto-Indo European ” because it relies on just a few very introductory component — the only ingredients many Johnny Cash - strap farm families had back in the 19th and twentieth century — thechess pienevertheless make do to be decadent , with flour , dinero , eggs , and butter come together in just the correct measure . Adding in buttermilk along with some hot chocolate powder makes it even more substantial . you may customize it any routine of way — withlemons , for examples — and garnish with pecan tree , fruits , or whipped cream .

2. Mincemeat Pie

Mincemeat reaches all the elbow room back to the 13th 100 , when Crusaders return from the Holy Land with the three mainspicesused in mince : garlic clove , cinnamon , and nutmeg . Cooks used them chiefly as preservatives for fruit and inwardness , and found that combining everything together made for a tasty Proto-Indo European filling . late generations have done by with the “ meat ” part of mincemeat pie , though chefs swear on their grandmother ’s grave that it ’s the effective version of the stunner . For thoseput offby Alces alces or venison or bitch in their sweet , give formerGourmeteditor Ruth Reichl’sfound recipea test .

3. Sugar Cream Pie

If you grow up inIndiana , there ’s a good chance you ’re familiar with this , theofficial pieof the Hoosier State . The recipe comes from the Amish , who settle down in Indiana in the 1800s , and it calls for gruelling cream , milk and , of trend , refined sugar . Like chess pie , this desperation pie has gone out of panache in recent generations . But duteous Hoosiers have kept it in their holiday rotations for years . coalesce browned with granulated sugar can deepen the flavour , while acinnamon toppingcan spice thing up a scrap .

4. Shoofly pie

Molasses is the independent ingredient in this pie , for which we can also thankthe Amish(Pennsylvania Dutch , in this case ) . There are two types of this pie : “ ironic bottom , " which has the consistency of gingerbread , and “ wet bottom , ” which has a custard - like quality and comes topped with so-and-so . There are a few theories about the name , the most convincing one being that the sweet molasses drew tent flap while Proto-Indo European were cooling , causing cooks to have to shoo them away . Alton Brownhas a highly rated recipe for shoofly pie that include brown sugar crumb topping . Give it a attempt — and keep the window closed .

5. Vinegar pie

Do n’t be put off by the name of this Proto-Indo European , which combines the silky character of a custard pie with the acerbity of an orchard apple tree pie . The usage of apple cyder acetum was a way for 19th - century cooks to mime the taste perception of the literal yield , making this an early culinary hacker . And while you wo n’t find it in most restaurants , it ’s middling elementary to make at home . essay this recipe fromEpicurious , or this one fromMartha Stewart , and serve it up with a scoop of water ice cream .

6. Marlborough pie

This   New Englandspecialtywas once a basic in the region , where the bountiful supply of apples met with the custard Proto-Indo European formula settlers hadbrought overfrom England . The name is thought to refer to the English town of Marlborough . of late the pie has fall out of favour in kitchens and restaurants , which is a disgrace since it combine two delicious pie component — apple and custard — along with lemon yellow and sherry wine-coloured . The gustatory perception , according to historiographer John T. Edge , generator ofApple Pie : An American Story , carries “ the tang of lemons , the sleek musk of sherry , the base cash register of apples . ”

7. Flapper pie

If the phrase “ Canadian prairie Proto-Indo European ” does n’t pique your interest , then perhaps the graham cracker freshness , the custard pick , or the meringue top will . Pioneered by plate Cook northerly of the border , flapper Proto-Indo European is another effete dessert made from the most basic component — namely ball , sugar , cornstarch , and butter . The crust can be a bit slippery , but you may always opt for a premade adaptation from the storehouse . As far as a recipe goes , Canadian grandmaIrene Hrechukwon’t maneuver you untimely .

8. Huckleberry pie

The intemperate part about making this Proto-Indo European might be regain the title of respect berries , which grow mainly inthe Northwestand can only be constitute in the natural state . on-line trafficker pop the question them immobilise by the pound , which can be expensive . But with a uniquelytart taste , they ’re definitely worth the investment . pastry dough chef and authorGreg Patentbelieves they ’re one of the best baking berries around . render his recipe for huckleberry pie , which he claims took him 20 years to perfect .

A version of this tale ran in 2020 ; it has been updated for 2022 .

Shoofly pie

Lemon chess pie with whipped cream.

Three mini mincemeat pies

A slice of Indiana sugar cream pie

Shoofly pie with ice cream and raspberries

Apple cider vinegar flavors vinegar pie.

Homemade Marlborough pie on a baking sheet

Flapper pie

Huckleberry pie