
A historical dessert from The White House cook book; a comprehensive cyclopedia of information for the home .. (1913). Be careful to pare off every bit of the white skin of the lemon (as it toughens while cooking). Layer the ingredients in the specified order.
Preserved exactly as written in the original source
Grate off the rind, if not bitter reserve it for the filling of the pie
Pare off every bit of the white skin of the lemon (as it toughens while cooking)
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Then cut the lemon into very thin slices with a sharp knife and take out the seeds
Put into the pie a layer of lemon, then one of sugar, then one of the grated rind, and, lastly, of flour, and so on till the ingredients are used
Sprinkle the water over all, and cover with upper crust
Modern guidance to help you succeed with this vintage recipe
Removing all white pith prevents bitterness from developing during baking, as the pith contains high concentrations of limonin, a bitter compound that intensifies with heat. Layering the ingredients rather than mixing ensures even distribution of moisture and sugar throughout the pie, preventing soggy spots. The small amount of flour absorbs excess juice released during baking, creating a cohesive filling rather than a watery one. Grating the rind separately releases aromatic oils without the bitterness of the pith.
The pie crust can be made up to 2 days ahead and refrigerated, or frozen for up to 1 month. The lemon filling must be assembled fresh and baked immediately, as the acid will break down the flour's thickening power if left to sit.
Store baked pie loosely covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. Due to the high moisture content and lack of stabilizers in this historical recipe, the filling will become increasingly watery over time. For best texture, consume within 24 hours of baking. Not recommended for refrigeration as this will make the crust soggy.
AI-generated tips from Chef Cecil's culinary database
The pie crust can be made up to 2 days ahead and refrigerated, or frozen for up to 1 month. The lemon filling must be assembled fresh and baked immediately, as the acid will break down the flour's thickening power if left to sit.
Store baked pie loosely covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. Due to the high moisture content and lack of stabilizers in this historical recipe, the filling will become increasingly watery over time. For best texture, consume within 24 hours of baking. Not recommended for refrigeration as this will make the crust soggy.