Japanese Fruit Pie!

Don't let the name of this pie fool you, because it is definitely a southern pie and not very exotic at all.   Why is this absolutely delicious pie, called a "Japanese Fruit Pie" you ask?  According to all of the information I can find, no one really knows, but the theory is that it was made way back in colonial days and folks thought that coconuts came from Japan.   I don't really know why, but so many southern recipes have names that have really nothing to do with the countries we attach to them...like Italian Cream Cake for example.   The southern version has nothing to do with Italy.

What I will tell you about this pie is that it is wonderful and it's also very easy to make!  If you have not ever tried it, you really should!  It will become a favorite!  It has a similar flavor of a less sweet Chess Pie.  

 Here is what you will need:

2 egg yolks

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup butter, melted (1 stick)

1 tsp. white vinegar

1 tsp. vanilla

1/2 cup chopped pecans

1/2 cup flaked coconut

1/2 cup raisins

2 egg whites, stiffly beaten

1 unbaked (9 inch) pie shell

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

Beat egg yolks, sugar and butter with mixer until well blended.  Mix in vanilla and vinegar.   Stir in pecans, coconut, and raisins. 

Beat the egg whites in a separate bowl until stiff, then fold into the rest of the pie mixture.  

Spoon into the pie shell.  Place the pie plate on a cookie sheet and place in the 300 degree oven for 1 hour. 

Remove and allow to cool. 

Serve with a dollop of whipped cream!  This pie is so good!