Lime Meringue Bars
- 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into small pieces, plus more for greasing the pan
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
- 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- One 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon lime zest plus 3/4 cup lime juice (from 5 to 6 limes)
- 4 large egg yolks
- Pinch kosher salt
- 3 large egg whites
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- Special equipment: a candy thermometer; a kitchen blowtorch
- For the cookie base.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 9-inch square baking pan and line with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on 2 sides.
- In a large bowl using an electric mixer, beat the flour, confectioners' sugar, brown sugar and salt on medium speed until well combined.
- Add the butter and beat until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
- Tip the crumbs into the prepared pan and pat down to make an even base.
- Bake the base until deep golden and set, 20 to 25 minutes.
- Transfer to a rack to cool, about 30 minutes.
- For the filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, lime zest and juice, egg yolks and salt.
- Pour the mixture over the baked cookie base and spread it into an even layer.
- Bake the filling until just set, 8 to 10 minutes.
- Transfer to a rack to cool, about 30 minutes, then cover with plastic and refrigerate until firm, at least 4 hours.
- For the topping: Just before serving, make the topping.
- In a large bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment), add the egg whites.
- In a small saucepot fitted with a candy thermometer, heat the sugar and 1/4 cup water over medium-high heat without stirring.
- When the thermometer hits about 220 degrees F, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer on medium speed until just frothy and the yellowish hue has disappeared.
- When the sugar reaches 238 degrees F, increase the mixer speed to high and, with the mixer running, pour the sugar syrup into the bowl in a thin stream.
- Continue to beat the mixture until shiny, stiff peaks form and the mixture is cool, about 6 minutes.
- Scoop the meringue on top of the filling and use an offset spatula to swirl it around into decorative swoops and spikes.
- Using a mini (kitchen) blowtorch, toast the topping to an even golden brown.
- Cut into bars and serve.
unsalted butter, flour, confectioners, brown sugar, kosher salt, condensed milk, lime zest plus, egg yolks, kosher salt, egg whites, sugar
Taken from www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/lime-meringue-bars.html (may not work)