Cinnamon Custard Pie: A Culinary Symphony of Warmth and Delight

Cinnamon Custard Pie: A Warm and Comforting Treat

Cinnamon custard pie is a classic dessert that offers a delightful combination of creamy custard and fragrant cinnamon. Its warm, comforting flavor makes it perfect for chilly evenings and special occasions. Here's an in-depth guide to this indulgent delicacy:

History and Origin

Cinnamon custard pie traces its roots to medieval Europe, where it was known as "tourte" or "tarte." The earliest known recipes included a custard filling flavored with honey, ginger, and cinnamon. Over the centuries, the pie evolved, incorporating new ingredients and variations.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

* 1 cup all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
* 1/4 cup ice water

For the Filling:

* 3 cups milk
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1/4 cup cornstarch
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 2 large eggs
* 1 large egg yolk
* 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust:

- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Add the butter cubes and use your fingers to work them into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together.
- Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Preheat the Oven:

- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

3. Roll Out the Dough:

- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle.
- Transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie plate and trim the edges.
- Crimp the edges or flute the crust as desired.

4. Make the Filling:

- In a large saucepan, whisk together the milk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and egg yolk.
- Gradually whisk the egg mixture into the hot milk mixture.
- Continue cooking and stirring until the custard thickens and begins to bubble.
- Remove from heat and stir in the ground cinnamon.

5. Pour the Filling:

- Pour the custard filling into the prepared pie crust.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set.

6. Cool and Serve:

- Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Serve warm or chilled, with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Tips

* For a flaky crust, use cold butter and work it into the flour quickly.
* Don't overmix the dough, as this will make the crust tough.
* To prevent the filling from curdling, whisk the egg mixture gradually into the hot milk mixture.
* If the filling is too thick, add a splash of milk. If it's too thin, cook it for a few more minutes.
* Brush the crust with an egg wash before baking for a golden brown finish.

Conclusion

Cinnamon custard pie is a delectable dessert that combines the richness of custard with the warm, aromatic flavors of cinnamon. Whether you're enjoying it on a chilly evening or sharing it with loved ones, this classic treat is sure to bring joy and comfort.