An interesting sweet pie that comes from Missouri.  The story about this pie is that it was made for a dinner party and when the slave who made it was asked its name she said, “Jeff Davis Pie”, out of loyalty to her master who was a supporter of the Southern cause (Jefferson Davis was President of the Confederate States).

What you need for the pie Pastry for a bottom crust of a 9-inch pie plate 1 cup of sugar 2 tablespoons of flour 1/4 teaspoon of salt 1 cup of half and half (you can also use low fat double cream) 4 egg yolks* 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla 1/3 of a cup of melted butter *If you do not fancy making the meringue topping you can use whole eggs

What you need for the meringue
4 egg whites
1/4 teaspoon of cream of tartar
1/2 teaspoon of vanilla
1/2 cup of sugar

What you do
Mix together the sugar, flour and salt. Separate the egg yolks from the white making sure that the white for the meringue goes in a bone dry bowl - this is VERY important.  Beat the egg yolks, cream and vanilla in a separate bowl to the sugar and flour.  Pour onto the dry ingredients and add the melted butter.  Make sure everything is well mixed before pouring into the pastry lined pie plate.  Bake at 350 F for about half an hour.
    While the pie is baking you can make the meringue.  Just add the cream of tartar, vanilla and sugar to the egg white and whisk and whisk and whisk.  It you don't have an electric whisk this will be hard work as it can take quite some time.  When the meringue is stiff enough to stand in spikes it is ready.
    When the pie is done top with the meringue and brown.
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