A Pie to Try
This delicious, tangy, and creamy dessert is a delightful treat to serve at any gathering or family dinner. With its simple ingredients and quick preparation time, this dessert will easily become a family favorite. A Pie to Try is a perfect mix of sweetness and tartness, featuring a smooth, custardy filling crowned with a fluffy meringue. The combination of vanilla wafer crust, sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and whipped egg whites creates a beautifully balanced pie that is as easy to make as it is to devour.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Eggs | 3 |
| Cream of tartar | 1 tsp |
| Sugar | 3 tbsp |
| Sweetened condensed milk | 1 can |
| Lemons (fresh) | 3 |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 269.5 kcal |
| Fat Content | 7.8 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 4.3 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 102 mg |
| Sodium Content | 112.6 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 45.8 g |
| Fiber Content | 1.9 g |
| Sugar Content | 41.2 g |
| Protein Content | 8.1 g |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the meringue:
- Start by separating the eggs into two bowlsโwhites in one and yolks in the other.
- To the egg whites, add 1 teaspoon of cream of tartar to help stabilize the meringue.
- Using an electric mixer or a whisk, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. This will take some time, so be patient!
- Gradually add 3 tablespoons of sugar while continuing to beat the mixture. Keep beating until the egg whites form stiff peaks, which should be shiny and stand up firmly when you lift the whisk.
-
Make the custard filling:
- In the bowl with the egg yolks, add the sweetened condensed milk and the juice of 3 lemons.
- Whisk together until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly thickened. The lemon juice will cause the sweetened condensed milk to thicken and create a creamy custard-like consistency. Itโs a magical transformation that brings everything together!
-
Prepare the crust:
- Crush a box of vanilla wafers into fine crumbs. You can do this by pulsing the wafers in a food processor or placing them in a sealed plastic bag and smashing them with a rolling pin.
- Place the crumbs into a greased pie pan, pressing them down firmly to form a crust. This crust will be simple yet rich, adding a slight crunch to the smooth filling.
-
Assemble the pie:
- Pour the custard mixture into the prepared crust, spreading it evenly.
- Carefully spoon the meringue over the custard layer. Spread it to the edges, ensuring the meringue touches the sides of the crust to prevent it from shrinking during baking.
-
Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC).
- Place the pie in the oven and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the meringue is golden brown and slightly crispy on top.
- Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool for a bit before serving.
Serving:
This pie is best served chilled, so after letting it cool to room temperature, place it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. When ready to serve, cut into slices and enjoy the delicious contrast between the tangy lemon custard, the sweet meringue, and the crunchy wafer crust.
This “A Pie to Try” is not just a delicious dessert, but a conversation starter, thanks to its unique combination of flavors and textures. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner, a holiday party, or a casual get-together, itโs sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
