Introducing the Southern Lemon Meringue Pie, a tantalizing dessert that embodies the essence of Southern hospitality with its tangy lemon filling and fluffy meringue topping, all nestled in a golden pie crust. With just a total preparation time of 30 minutes, this recipe delivers a burst of refreshing flavors, making it perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to elegant soirées.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups of sugar
- 3 tablespoons of cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups of water
- 3 tablespoons of butter
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1/2 cup of lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon of cream of tartar
- 3 large eggs, separated
Instructions:
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Prepare the Filling:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch, and flour.
- Gradually add water while stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Cook the mixture over medium-high heat until it thickens and starts to bubble.
- Reduce the heat and continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent sticking.
- In a separate bowl, lightly beat the egg yolks.
- Gradually add about 1 cup of the hot mixture to the beaten egg yolks, stirring constantly to temper them.
- Pour the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining hot filling.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then cook and stir for another 2 minutes.
- Remove the filling from the heat and stir in the butter and lemon zest until fully incorporated.
- Gently stir in the lemon juice until the filling is smooth and well combined.
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Prepare the Meringue:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg whites with vanilla extract and cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add sugar, continuing to beat until stiff and glossy peaks form, and all the sugar is dissolved.
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Assemble and Bake:
- Pour the hot lemon filling into a pre-baked pie crust, spreading it evenly.
- Spoon the prepared meringue over the hot filling, making sure to seal it completely around the edges to prevent shrinking.
- Bake the pie in a preheated 350°F oven for 15 minutes, or until the meringue is lightly golden.
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Chill and Serve:
- Once baked, allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour to set.
- For best results, refrigerate the pie for 3 to 6 hours before serving, allowing the flavors to meld and the filling to set properly.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 375.6
- Total Fat: 12.3g
- Saturated Fat: 4.3g
- Cholesterol: 69.9mg
- Sodium: 172.9mg
- Carbohydrates: 63.6g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugar: 47.3g
- Protein: 4.1g
Cook’s Tips:
- To achieve the perfect meringue, ensure that your mixing bowl and beaters are completely clean and free of any grease or residue.
- When spreading the meringue over the filling, be gentle to avoid deflating it, and make sure to seal it tightly to prevent any leakage during baking.
- For added flavor, you can sprinkle some additional lemon zest on top of the meringue before baking.
- Serve slices of this delightful Southern Lemon Meringue Pie chilled for a refreshing and indulgent dessert experience that’s sure to impress your guests. Enjoy the bright citrusy flavors and airy texture of this classic Southern treat!
