Harlem Comfort: Lee Lee's Lemon Mini-Pies

[Photographs: Niko Triantafillou]

We've already covered Lee Lee's destination-worthy rugelach and their excellent coconut cake, but we've never written about their pies. So maybe it was a sign that on a recent visit, the man behind the counter helpfully offered, "these pies just came out of the oven 10 minutes ago."  Okay then, I guess I'll have the pie!

Given the choice between an Apple or Lemon Mini-Pie ($5.50), I went with the latter because it's slightly less common. Like all of Lee Lee's sweets, the lemon pie, which is about six inches in diameter, has the look and feel of something that was made in someone's home kitchen. The crust is buttery, well baked, and has a nicely blistered top. And though Lee Lee's treats tend to be on the sweet side, this lemon pie sure isn't.

The lemon curd filling here is tangy and just thick enough to hold its shape without being gelatinous. When heated, it will slowly flow out of its shell and onto the plate. A scoop of your favorite vanilla ice cream is recommended.

About the author: Native New Yorker Niko Triantafillou is the founder of DessertBuzz.com his photographs of desserts and pastry chefs have appeared in the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post and Dessert Professional Magazine. He is an unabashed foodie nerdling. Follow him on Twitter at @DessertBuzz.