Amish Lemon Pie

🥧 Amish Lemon Pie 🍋

Amish Lemon Pie is a delightful dessert that combines the tangy brightness of lemons with a sweet, creamy filling, all nestled in a flaky pie crust. This pie has a rich history rooted in the Amish communities of the United States, known for their simple and wholesome cooking traditions.

📜 History:
Amish Lemon Pie, like many Amish recipes, has been passed down through generations. The Amish community, known for its emphasis on farm-fresh ingredients and traditional cooking methods, developed this pie as a way to make the most of seasonal produce, particularly lemons. It has since become a beloved classic in Amish cuisine.

🥄 Components:

1. Pie Crust: You can use a store-bought or homemade pie crust.
2. Lemon Filling: This is made from fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, eggs, and a touch of flour or cornstarch to thicken it.
3. Topping (optional): Some versions of Amish Lemon Pie include a meringue topping made from egg whites and sugar, while others prefer a dollop of whipped cream.

👩‍🍳 Steps to Prepare:

For the Pie Crust:

1. Roll out the pie crust and place it in a pie dish.
2. Crimp the edges decoratively and prick the bottom with a fork to prevent it from puffing up during baking.

For the Lemon Filling:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup of granulated sugar and 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour or cornstarch.
3. Add 3 beaten eggs, 1 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and the zest of one lemon. Mix until well combined.
4. Pour the lemon filling into the prepared pie crust.

For the Meringue Topping (Optional):

1. In a clean, dry bowl, beat 3 egg whites until they form stiff peaks.
2. Gradually add 1/4 cup of granulated sugar while continuing to beat until the meringue is glossy and holds its shape.
3. Spread the meringue over the lemon filling, making sure to seal it to the edges of the pie crust.

Baking:

1. Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the meringue is lightly browned.
2. If you’re not using meringue, you can simply bake the pie until the filling is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (about 25-30 minutes).

Cooling:

1. Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for at least an hour before serving.
2. For the best flavor, refrigerate the pie for a few hours or overnight.

⏱️ Preparation Time:

• Preparing the pie crust: 10 minutes (if using store-bought)
• Making the lemon filling: 10 minutes
• Baking: 25-30 minutes
• Cooling: 1 hour or more

In total, you can expect to spend approximately 2-3 hours from start to finish, including cooling time. It’s worth the wait for a slice of this delicious Amish Lemon Pie! 🍽️🍋

Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Amish Lemon Pie:

Nutrition Facts (Approximate, per serving):

• Calories: 350-400 calories
• Total Fat: 15-20 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 5-7 grams
• Cholesterol: 60-80 milligrams
• Sodium: 200-250 milligrams
• Total Carbohydrates: 50-60 grams
  • Dietary Fiber: 1-2 grams
  • Sugars: 30-40 grams
• Protein: 4-5 grams
• Vitamin C: 10-15% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Calcium: 2-4% DV
• Iron: 4-6% DV

Health Information:

1. Moderation: Amish Lemon Pie, like most desserts, should be enjoyed in moderation due to its relatively high sugar and calorie content. It’s a treat rather than a daily dietary staple.

2. Vitamin C: The lemon juice in the pie provides a notable amount of vitamin C, which is essential for immune health and skin health.

3. Sugar Content: Be mindful of the sugar content, as excessive sugar intake can contribute to health issues like weight gain and dental problems. Consider reducing the sugar in the recipe if you’re looking for a lower-sugar option.

4. Fat: The pie contains some saturated fat from the butter in the crust and potentially from the meringue topping. While fats are essential for the body, excessive saturated fat intake should be limited as it can impact heart health.

5. Protein: The pie provides a small amount of protein, but it’s not a significant source. Consider pairing it with a protein-rich meal to create a balanced diet.

6. Fiber: There’s minimal fiber in this dessert, so it’s a good idea to incorporate fiber-rich foods in other meals to support digestion and overall health.

7. Portion Size: Pay attention to portion sizes. Smaller servings can help manage calorie intake and sugar consumption.

8. Variations: You can make healthier variations of Amish Lemon Pie by using whole wheat pie crust, reducing sugar, or opting for a lighter topping like Greek yogurt instead of meringue.

Remember that the specific nutrition content may vary depending on the recipe and ingredients used, so it’s a good practice to check labels and calculate nutrition facts if you have dietary concerns or restrictions.