Deluxe Lemon Meringue Pie

Submitted by Bren_in_L.R.

"From August 1981 Southern Living."

 

• Ready In: 45mins
• Ingredients: 12
• Serves: 8

ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 cups sugar
• 1⁄3 cup cornstarch
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1⁄2 cups cold water
• 1⁄2 cup lemon juice
• 5 eggs, separated
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 to 3 teaspoons grated lemon rind
• 1 baked 9-inch pie shell
• 1⁄4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1⁄2 cup plus 2 tbs sugar
• 1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla extract

directions

1. Combine 1 1/2 cups sugar, cornstarch and salt in a large heavy saucepan; mix well. Gradually add water and lemon juice, stirring until mixture is smooth.
2. Beat egg yolks until thick and lemon colored; gradually stir into lemon mixture. Add butter.
3. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and bubbly. Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in lemon rind. Pour into baked pastry shell.
4. Combine egg whites (at room temperature) and cream of tartar; beat until foamy. Gradually add remaining sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating until stiff peaks form. Beat in vanilla.
5. Spread meringue over filling, sealing to edge of pastry.
6. Bake at 350* for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. Cool to room temperature.