chess pie

Meaning

Noun

• A pie made with eggs, sugar, butter, vanilla, and cornmeal.

Origin

• Uncertain. Theories include:
• from cheese pie, as early versions were similar in texture to British lemon curd pies or cheesecakes.
• from a Southern pronunciation of (it's) jes' pie, as it contrasts with flavored pies like pecan, cherry, chocolate, etc.
• from chest pie, as the high sugar content means it can be stored in a "pie chest" (pie safe) rather than needing refrigeration.
• from some actual association with chess.
• from Chester, England.