Incredible as it sounds, in the past, it was not uncommon to christen foods, particularly desserts, after political figures. Named for the 10th president of the United States, John Tyler of Virginia, this pie has its heritage in the South. Though the ingredients are simple, the pie has a caramel-like flavor and a smooth texture that combine to give it a soothing quality. It is as suitable for breakfast as it is after a good meal.
Makes one 9-inch pie
Basic All-American Pie Dough for a 9-inch pie shell (page 20)
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
1½ cups brown sugar
⅔ cup heavy (whipping) cream
¼ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 eggs, beaten
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Roll out the dough and fit it into a 9-inch glass pie pan, then trim and flute the edges (see page 22).
Put the butter and the brown sugar in a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan and place over medium-high heat. As the butter melts, stir or whisk to combine it with the sugar. Once the mixture is smoothly blended and beginning to bubble, cook it for about 2 minutes longer, whisking constantly. Remove from the heat and add the cream, then whisk until smooth. Add the salt, vanilla, and eggs and whisk until evenly blended.
Pour the mixture into the prepared pie shell. Bake for about 35 minutes, until the filling quivers slightly when the pan is jiggled, and the surface is puffy and wavy (once out of the oven, it will flatten). Cool for at least an hour, then serve warm or at room temperature.