Peanut pie facts for kids
Peanut pie is a delicious dessert that's a bit like pecan pie. Some people even call it the "poor man's pecan pie" because peanuts were often easier to find and cheaper than pecans. This sweet pie is a popular treat in the cuisine of the Southern United States, especially in the Tidewater region where lots of peanuts are grown. It can be a great dessert for family gatherings or church events, especially in places like North Carolina.
Where Did Peanut Pie Come From?
The story of the peanut starts far away in Peru. Spanish explorers brought peanuts from South America to Europe. From there, peanuts traveled to Africa and Asia.
Peanuts arrived in North America in the 1700s. They became an important crop, especially in the Southern states. At first, peanuts were a simple and affordable food for many people.
By the 1940s, peanuts were very popular across the United States. Peanut pie became a well-loved dessert, especially in states like Virginia and North Carolina. An old advertisement for corn syrup, which is used to make the pie's sweet filling, even joked about how good peanut pies were!
How Is Peanut Pie Made?
Peanut pie has a sweet, gooey filling that's a lot like the filling in pecan pie. This filling is usually made with corn syrup, sugar, and eggs.
Sometimes, other sweet syrups are used instead of corn syrup. These can include molasses, sorghum, or maple syrup. Some recipes also add rich ingredients like heavy cream or cream cheese to make the filling extra creamy.
For a different taste, some bakers might add chocolate, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. The finished pie is best served warm. You can top it with whipped cream, a sweet dessert sauce, or even a scoop of ice cream (this is called à la Mode). You can also make smaller, individual peanut pies and freeze them to enjoy later!
