Ashley’s Divine Lemon Meringue Pie

🍋🥧 Ashley’s Divine Lemon Meringue Pie: A Tangy Delight 🍋🥧

History:
Lemon meringue pie is a classic dessert with a rich history dating back to the 19th century. It’s believed to have originated in England, with lemon custard fillings and sweet meringue toppings. The dessert gained immense popularity in the United States during the 20th century, and today, it’s a beloved treat enjoyed worldwide.

Components:

1. Pie Crust: Typically made from graham crackers or pastry dough.
2. Lemon Filling: A zesty, sweet-tart mixture of lemon juice, zest, sugar, and egg yolks.
3. Meringue Topping: A fluffy, sweet layer made from egg whites and sugar.

Steps to Prepare Ashley’s Divine Lemon Meringue Pie:

Preparation Time: Approximately 30 minutes
Baking Time: About 10-15 minutes
Chilling Time: 4 hours or more

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

• You can either make your own pie crust or buy a pre-made one. If making it from scratch, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter, then press the mixture into a pie dish.
• Pre-bake the crust at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, then let it cool.

Step 2: Make the Lemon Filling

• In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar, 3 tablespoons of cornstarch, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1 1/2 cups of water, 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons of lemon zest. Cook over medium heat until it thickens, stirring constantly.
• In a separate bowl, lightly beat 4 egg yolks. Gradually whisk in about 1/2 cup of the hot lemon mixture to temper the eggs. Then, pour this mixture back into the saucepan and cook for another 2 minutes.
• Remove from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Pour the lemon filling into the pre-baked pie crust.

Step 3: Make the Meringue Topping

• In a clean, dry bowl, beat 4 egg whites with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar until stiff peaks form.

Step 4: Top the Pie with Meringue

• Spread the meringue over the lemon filling, ensuring it touches the edges of the crust to seal it.

Step 5: Bake

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pie in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes or until the meringue is lightly browned.

Step 6: Chill

• Allow the pie to cool at room temperature for about an hour, then refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or until fully chilled.

Your Ashley’s Divine Lemon Meringue Pie is now ready to be enjoyed! The zesty lemon filling pairs perfectly with the sweet and fluffy meringue topping, making it a delightful dessert for any occasion. 🍋🥧😍

Lemon meringue pie is a delightful treat, but it’s not typically considered a healthy dessert due to its high sugar and calorie content. Here are some approximate nutrition facts and health information for a standard serving (1/8th of a 9-inch pie) without specific values:

• Calories: Lemon meringue pie is calorie-dense, with an average serving containing around 350-400 calories.

• Sugar: It’s high in sugar, with the lemon filling and meringue contributing to its sweetness. A slice may contain 20-30 grams or more of sugar.

• Fat: It contains a moderate amount of fat, mainly from the butter in the crust and egg yolks in the filling.

• Protein: Lemon meringue pie is not a significant source of protein.

• Carbohydrates: It’s rich in carbohydrates, primarily from sugar and the pie crust.

• Saturated Fat: Due to butter in the crust and egg yolks, it has a moderate amount of saturated fat.

• Cholesterol: It’s relatively high in cholesterol because of the egg yolks in the filling.

• Sodium: The sodium content is generally low.

• Fiber: It’s low in fiber.

Health Information:

1. Moderation: Lemon meringue pie is best enjoyed in moderation due to its high sugar and calorie content. Limiting portion sizes is advisable.

2. Sugar Content: Excessive sugar intake can contribute to health issues such as weight gain and dental problems. Be mindful of your overall sugar consumption.

3. Caloric Awareness: Consider the pie as an occasional indulgence rather than a regular dessert to help maintain a healthy diet.

4. Balanced Diet: Incorporate desserts like this pie into a well-balanced diet and consume plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains for overall health.

5. Physical Activity: Regular exercise can help offset the impact of indulgent treats like lemon meringue pie.

Remember that the nutrition facts can vary based on the specific recipe and serving size, so it’s a good practice to check the packaging or recipe details for more accurate information.