St Pete Test Kitchen: Old-timey Lemon Chess Pie
As a Realtor with Avalon Group Realty in St. Petersburg, FL, I spend most of my days helping families find their dream homes. But outside of showing properties and negotiating contracts, I have another passion that keeps me grounded: cooking. In fact, my kitchen often doubles as a Realtor Test Kitchen, where I experiment with family recipes and create new twists on Southern classics. Today, I’m excited to share one of my favorite creations—St Pete Test Kitchen: Old-timey Lemon Chess Pie.
This pie is more than a dessert; it’s a story about family, tradition, and the joy of gathering around the table. And just like finding the perfect home, it’s about creating lasting memories.
Why Lemon Chess Pie Matters to Me
Four years ago, I began an ambitious project. I wanted to re-create my family’s heirloom recipe for Lemon Chess Pie, a dessert that defined countless family gatherings. Unfortunately, somewhere between moving from one home to another, I lost the original handwritten recipe that had been passed down in my family. At first, I was devastated—because it felt like I had lost a tangible piece of family history.
But in a way, that loss sparked a new journey. I started experimenting in what I now call my Realtor Test Kitchen, tweaking ingredients and adjusting methods until the flavors brought me right back to my childhood table. After years of trial and error, I finally perfected it. One bite of this pie now takes me to Sunday dinners filled with laughter, love, and togetherness.
As a Realtor, I know the importance of what we carry with us when moving from house to house. Sometimes things get lost in the shuffle, but we always find ways to preserve the memories that matter most. Sharing this pie with my real estate clients feels like offering them a little slice of that journey—and a warm welcome to St. Petersburg
.
What Makes St Pete Test Kitchen: Old-timey Lemon Chess Pie Special
Southern Tradition in Every Slice
Chess Pie is a true Southern dessert, with roots going back generations. What sets the lemon version apart is its refreshing citrus flavor. The tang of fresh lemon juice and zest cuts through the richness of the custard, creating a perfect balance of sweet and tart.
Realtor Test Kitchen Approved
When I invite clients over or host neighborhood gatherings, this pie is always the star of the table. It represents not just hospitality but also my commitment to detail—the same care I bring when guiding someone through buying a home with a chef’s kitchen in St Petersburg.
Recipe: How to Make Old-Timey Lemon Chess Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need
1 (9-inch) refrigerated pie crust (or a homemade pie crust)
1/2 cup butter, softened (8 tablespoons or 1 stick)
4 eggs
2 cups granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
1 1/2 tablespoons yellow cornmeal
1/4 teaspoon baja salt
1/4 cup buttermilk
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Lemon zest from two washed lemons
Fresh lemon juice from two large lemons
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 325°F.
In an electric mixing bowl, beat together butter and sugar. Or use a hand electric mixer. Beat until fluffy and completely mixed.
Add eggs, vanilla, cornmeal, buttermilk, apple cider vinegar, and salt. Mix until smooth.
While continuing to mix, add lemon juice and zest.
Pour into a prepared pie shell. Bake for 55–65 minutes.
If crust edges brown too quickly, shield with foil.
Cool at room temperature for 1 hour before serving.
Notes and Variations - minus the apple cider vinegar, lemons and lemon zest.
Chocolate Chess Pie – add 4 tablespoons cocoa powder
Coconut Chess Pie – add 1 cup flaked coconut.
Eggnog Chess Pie – replace buttermilk and vinegar with 1/3 cup eggnog.
Family Traditions in the Kitchen
Growing up, dessert wasn’t just an occasional treat in my family—it was a nightly ritual. Both my mom and dad loved baking, and they made several desserts each week to ensure there was always something homemade waiting at the end of dinner.
My dad’s specialties were pound cake and a "rotten" coconut cake that would melt in your mouth. Meanwhile, my mom crafted pies, cobblers, and other Southern classics that made our home smell like a bakery. Their dedication instilled in me the importance of having a sweet finish to each day, no matter how simple or elaborate.
That tradition is part of why I worked so hard to perfect my St Pete Test Kitchen: Old-timey Lemon Chess Pie. Carrying on the habit of always having something homemade ready connects me to my roots—and it’s a tradition I love sharing with my real estate clients, too.
The Connection Between Food and Home
When clients tell me they dream of buying a home with a chef’s kitchen in St Petersburg, I immediately think about recipes like this one. A true chef’s kitchen isn’t just about granite countertops and shiny appliances—it’s about having the space to create memories.
Much like St Pete Test Kitchen: Old-timey Lemon Chess Pie, kitchens bring tradition and modern living together. They’re the heartbeat of the home.
Realtor Test Kitchen Tips for Serving
Serve with fresh whipped cream.
Add candied lemon slices for presentation.
Pair with a hot cup of coffee or sweet tea.
Share it with neighbors to make instant friends.
Food has the power to turn acquaintances into lifelong friends—something I’ve seen countless times in St. Petersburg’s close-knit communities.
St Pete Lifestyle and Sweet Traditions
Why St. Petersburg Is the Perfect Setting
Living in St. Petersburg means sunshine, culture, and incredible food. From trendy downtown cafes to cozy neighborhood bakeries, there’s always something delicious around the corner. Yet sometimes, the best flavors come straight from your own oven.
That’s why I love blending my real estate career with my passion for cooking. The same excitement I feel handing a client the keys to their new home is the excitement I feel when I cut into a fresh pie from my oven.
St Pete Test Kitchen: Old-timey Lemon Chess Pie as a Community Builder
This dessert isn’t just about flavor—it’s about connection. Whether you’re a long-time resident or new to the area, sharing a slice with friends is a way to feel rooted in this city.
Why Clients Love Realtor Test Kitchen Stories
Building Trust Through Authenticity
Clients appreciate when a Realtor shows authenticity. Sharing family recipes in my Realtor Test Kitchen creates trust—it shows I’m a real person with passions, not just someone trying to sell houses.
Creating Lasting Impressions
Just like the tangy sweetness of lemon lingers on the palate, small gestures linger in a client’s memory. And that’s what makes Avalon Group Realty special—we create experiences, not just transactions.
FAQ: St Pete Test Kitchen: Old-timey Lemon Chess Pie
Q: What exactly is a chess pie?
A: Chess pie is a Southern custard-style dessert made with eggs, sugar, butter, and cornmeal. The lemon variation adds zest and juice for brightness.
Q: Why is it called “chess pie”?
A: The name is debated. Some say it comes from “just pie,” while others think it’s from storing pies in a “pie chest.”
Q: Can I freeze Lemon Chess Pie?
A: Yes! Wrap tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Q: Do I need a special pan?
A: No. A standard 9-inch pie dish works perfectly.
Q: What’s the best beverage pairing?
A: Sweet tea for authenticity, or coffee for a modern twist.
Reasons to Try Lemon Chess Pie
Classic Southern heritage in every slice
Easy ingredients found in most kitchens
Perfect balance of sweet and tart
Versatile—try chocolate, coconut, or eggnog variations
A wonderful dessert to serve during holidays
A great way to make new neighbors feel welcome
From Kitchen to Closing Table
Food has a way of connecting people, just as real estate does. The journey of creating this pie mirrors the process of helping clients find the right home—it takes patience, care, and attention to detail.
At Avalon Group Realty, we see ourselves not just as Realtors but as community builders. Sharing St Pete Test Kitchen: Old-timey Lemon Chess Pie is one way we invite people to feel at home in St. Petersburg.
Why This Story Belongs in St. Petersburg Real Estate
Community Spirit: The pie is more than dessert; it symbolizes the warmth of St. Pete.
Connection to Homeownership: Just as pie requires the right ingredients, homeownership requires the right guidance.
Lifestyle Selling: Buyers aren’t just purchasing square footage; they’re buying into a lifestyle—one that includes sunshine, neighbors, and yes, delicious pie.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re savoring a slice of pie or signing closing documents, St. Petersburg is a place where memories are made. My hope is that sharing recipes like this one inspires you to see the heart behind our city’s homes.
If you’ve ever dreamed of buying a home with a chef’s kitchen in St Petersburg, let’s make it happen. And when you do, I’ll bring over a pie to celebrate.
Until then, may your kitchen be full of laughter, your table full of friends, and your dessert plate full of St Pete Test Kitchen: Old-timey Lemon Chess Pie.
Stay Connected with Avalon Group Realty
Follow us for more Tampa Bay real estate tips, market updates, recipes, and lifestyle stories:
Facebook: Avalon Group Tampa Bay
Instagram: @avalongrouprealtors
Twitter/X: @AVALONGROUPRE
TikTok: @avalongrouprealty
