Sunset's Chunky Lemon Meringue Pie

From the magazine's August 2007 edition: "In this adaptation of old-fashioned Shaker pie, thin slices of whole lemon are soaked with sugar overnight to soften and sweeten the peel. When mixed with eggs, they create a soft custard base with chewy lemon pieces and a pleasantly bitter edge." Prep/cook time = 1-1/2 hours plus overnight soaking and at least 3-1/2 hours of cooling time. Nutrition facts: 458 cal, 125 fat cal, 8.7g protein, 14g fat, 5.5g sat fat, 79g carb, 2.4g fiber, 387mg sodium, 146mg chol.

• Ready In: 1 hr 30 mins
• Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 3  lemons
• 2  cups sugar
• 1  pie crust, 9-inch (see our "Best Basic Pie Crust Dough" posted separately)
• 4  eggs
• 1  egg yolk
• 6  egg whites
• 1⁄8 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄8 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 3  tablespoons light brown sugar
• 2  tablespoons granulated sugar

Directions

1. Quarter lemons lengthwise. Slice quartered lemons crosswise as thinly as possible, discarding the end pieces that are just peel and pith. Put lemon slices in a large bowl with the sugar. Toss to combine, cover, and let sit at least 24 hours and up to 2 days at room temperature.
2. Put an oven rack on the lowest rung and preheat oven to 450 degrees. Lightly dust counter and rolling pin with flour, then unwrap dough. With short strokes from center outward, roll dough into a 12-inch circle (about 1/8 inch thick), turning 90 degrees after every 3 or 4 passes of the rolling pin to keep it from sticking. Transfer dough to a 9-inch pie pan, letting it fall into place. (If you push or stretch the dough, it will shrink back when baked.) Trim overhang to 1/2 inch, then tuck edge under. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate 20 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, whisk the whole eggs and egg yolk in a medium bowl until frothy. Drain lemons (reserving liquid) and add lemon slices and 1-1/4 cup of the reserved liquid to the eggs. Stir to combine. Pour filling into crust. Cover with foil and bake 15 minutes. Remove foil, reduce heat to 325 degrees, and bake another 20 minutes. Remove from oven, but leave oven on.
4. In a large clean bowl, beat egg whites, salt, and cream of tartar to create soft peaks. Add brown and granulated sugars and beat until shiny, firm peaks form. Spread meringue in a mound over hot pie and return to oven. Bake until top is puffed and deep brown, about 25 minutes. Let cool completely, at least 3-1/2 hours.