Lemon Meringue Pie
- 1 recipe Sweet Pie Crust, recipe follows
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 5 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 6 large egg yolks
- 2/3 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons finely grated lemon zest
- 1 1/2 tablespoons limoncello
- 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 4 large egg whites
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 6 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
- Remove the dough from the refrigerator and on a lightly floured surface, roll out to a 12-inch circle.
- Transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie pan, pressing gently to fit, trim the edge to within 1/2-inch of the pan, turn under, and crimp decoratively.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Line the pie shell with parchment paper and fill with pie weights, dry beans, or rice.
- Bake until the crust is set, about 12 minutes.
- Remove the parchment paper and weights and bake until lightly colored, 8 to 10 minutes.
- Cool on a wire rack before filling.
- Combine the granulated sugar, cornstarch, milk, water, and pinch of the salt in a large, non-reactive saucepan, whisk to combine, and bring to a simmer over medium heat, whisking occasionally.
- As the mixture reaches a simmer and begins to thicken and turn clear, 4 to 5 minutes, whisk in the egg yolks, 2 at a time.
- Slowly add the lemon juice, whisking constantly, and add the zest and limoncello.
- Add the butter, 1 piece at a time, and whisking constantly, return to a simmer.
- Remove from the heat and pour immediately into the prepared pie crust.
- Beat the egg whites, cream of tartar, and remaining pinch salt in a large bowl with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
- Beating constantly, gradually add the confectioners' sugar and beat until glossy stiff peaks form, being careful not to over beat, as this will make the meringue difficult to spread.
- Transfer the meringue to a pastry bag fitted with a medium star tip.
- Working 1 row at a time, pipe the meringue across the top of the hot lemon filling in a zigzag pattern, alternating direction with each row.
- Cover the pie filling completely, going out to the pastry edges, so the meringue does not draw up or weep during baking.
- (Alternatively, spread the meringue evenly over the pie filling using a rubber spatula, smoothing out to the pastry edges.
- Make decorative peaks in the meringue using a dull knife or the back of a spoon.)
- To quickly cook the meringue, preheat the broiler with the rack in the highest position.
- Place the pie under the broiler and cook until the meringue is set and golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- (Alternatively, the meringue can be cooked in a preheated 325 degree F oven until set and golden brown, 14 to 16 minutes.)
- Transfer the pie to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons cold, unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 2 tablespoons cold vegetable shortening
- 3 to 4 tablespoons ice water, or as needed
- Sift the flour, sugar, and salt into a large bowl.
- With your fingers, work the butter and shortening into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add 3 tablespoons of the ice water and work with your fingers just until the dough comes together, adding more water as needed, 1 teaspoon at a time, to make a smooth dough, being careful not to overwork the dough.
- Form the dough into a disk shape, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before using.
- Yield: enough dough for 1 (9 or 10-inch) crust
recipe sweet pie crust, sugar, cornstarch, milk, cold water, salt, egg yolks, lemon juice, lemon zest, limoncello, cold unsalted butter, egg whites, cream of tartar, sugar
Taken from www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/lemon-meringue-pie-recipe.html (may not work)