Every week, I document another dish that impressed and satiated me during my food adventures around New York City
Gingerbread. Eggnog. Peppermint. Those are some of the flavors that most expect to see at dessert shops during he holiday season. So it was a bit of a shock and a pleasant surprise to discover something I had never heard of at Petee’s Pie Company: Nesselrode Pie. Anyone?
After some research, it turns out that Nesselrode Pie is a mostly forgotten New York tradition that was popular in the 1940’s and 50’s. I had never heard of it and was so excited to try it.
A few years ago, the team from Petee’s Pie Company decided to resurrect the mysterious combination of chestnut purée, candied fruit, and alcohol. You might call it a Christmas miracle.
Petee’s version (the only one I’ve tried) features a heavenly fluffy filling of festive chestnut custard reminiscent of a lemon meringue pie (but without the tartness). As an added gift, the pie is dotted with chocolate shavings and rum soaked cherries resting upon whipped cream. The expert buttery crust holds it all together.
It makes you wonder why this disappeared all those decades ago and why others are not honoring the tradition. Since it’s a classic New York dish, I would have to scour the city looking for the best version. Although I may have already found it. Price: $7 (slice) /$40 (full pie)
| PETEE’S PIE COMPANY |
| 61 Delancey Street (between Eldridge and Allen Street), Lower East Side (646) 494-3630 |
| 505 Myrtle Avenue (between Ryerson Street and Grand Avenue), Clinton Hill, Brooklyn |
| peteespie.com |
