Ann Lander’s Best Lemon Meringue Pie (With Never-Fail Meringue)

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Ann Lander’s Best Lemon Meringue Pie is a classic dessert that has been enjoyed by generations. This pie is renowned for its zesty lemon filling and a perfectly fluffy, never-fail meringue topping. Let’s delve into its history, components, preparation steps, and estimated time needed to make this delectable treat.

History:
Ann Landers, a popular advice columnist, was known for many things, but her lemon meringue pie recipe became a beloved favorite. Her version of this pie combines the tartness of lemons with the sweetness of meringue, creating a delightful contrast that has stood the test of time.

Components:

1. Pie Crust: You can use a store-bought pie crust or make your own from scratch using flour, butter, salt, and water.
2. Lemon Filling: This consists of fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, cornstarch, water, and egg yolks. It’s what gives the pie its tangy flavor.
3. Meringue Topping: Made from egg whites, sugar, and cream of tartar, the meringue forms a light and fluffy crown on top of the lemon filling.

Preparation Steps:

For the Pie Crust:

1. Roll out the pie dough and place it in a pie dish.
2. Prick the bottom with a fork to prevent it from puffing up during baking.
3. Bake the crust in a preheated oven until it’s golden brown.

For the Lemon Filling:

1. In a saucepan, combine sugar and cornstarch.
2. Gradually add water and lemon juice while stirring.
3. Cook the mixture over medium heat until it thickens.
4. Temper the egg yolks by adding a small amount of the hot lemon mixture and then stirring them into the saucepan.
5. Continue to cook until the filling is smooth and thick.
6. Pour the lemon filling into the baked pie crust.

For the Meringue Topping:

1. In a clean, dry bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
2. Gradually add sugar while continuing to beat until stiff, glossy peaks form.
3. Spread the meringue over the lemon filling, sealing the edges to prevent shrinking.

Baking:

1. Place the pie in a preheated oven.
2. Bake until the meringue is golden brown, usually around 10-12 minutes.

Cooling:

1. Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack.
2. Once cooled, refrigerate for a few hours before serving for best results.

Time Needed:

• Preparing the pie crust: 15-20 minutes (plus baking time)
• Making the lemon filling: 10-15 minutes
• Preparing and baking the meringue: 15-20 minutes
• Cooling and refrigeration: 2-3 hours

In total, you can expect to spend around 3-4 hours to prepare Ann Lander’s Best Lemon Meringue Pie, but the delicious results are definitely worth the effort. 🍋🥧👩‍🍳 Enjoy!

Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for a typical slice of Lemon Meringue Pie (1/8th of a 9-inch pie):

Nutrition Facts:

• Calories: Approximately 300-350 calories per slice.
• Total Fat: About 14-18 grams.
• Saturated Fat: Approximately 5-7 grams.
• Cholesterol: Around 60-80 milligrams.
• Sodium: Roughly 150-200 milligrams.
• Total Carbohydrates: About 40-45 grams.
• Dietary Fiber: Minimal, typically less than 1 gram.
• Sugars: Approximately 25-30 grams.
• Protein: Around 4-6 grams.

Health Information:

1. Caloric Content: Lemon Meringue Pie is relatively high in calories, primarily due to the sugar, butter, and egg yolks in the lemon filling and the meringue topping. It should be enjoyed in moderation as a treat rather than a regular indulgence.

2. Saturated Fat: The pie contains a moderate amount of saturated fat, mainly from the butter in the crust and the egg yolks in the filling. Excessive consumption of saturated fats can be linked to cardiovascular health issues, so it’s essential to limit intake.

3. Cholesterol: Egg yolks are a significant source of cholesterol in this pie. If you are concerned about cholesterol levels, you may consider using egg substitutes or egg whites in the filling.

4. Sugar: Lemon Meringue Pie is relatively high in sugar, which can lead to spikes in blood sugar levels. Individuals with diabetes or those monitoring their sugar intake should be cautious when enjoying this dessert.

5. Portion Control: Given its calorie and sugar content, it’s advisable to enjoy Lemon Meringue Pie in small portions. A smaller slice can help reduce the overall impact on your diet.

6. Balanced Diet: Like many desserts, Lemon Meringue Pie should be part of a balanced diet. It’s essential to balance indulgent treats with a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.

Remember that the nutritional content can vary based on the specific recipe and ingredients used. If you have specific dietary concerns or restrictions, you can consider making modifications to the recipe to align it with your dietary needs.