Lemon Meringue Tart
- 14oz (400g) shortcrust pastry
- 4 large lemons
- 1 1/4 cups sugar
- 4 large eggs, separated
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp butter, diced
- 1/2 tsp cream of tartar
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 9in (23cm) tart pan with removable bottom
- Baking beans
- Preheat the oven to 400F (200C).
- Fit the pastry into a 9 inch (23cm) tart pan with a removable bottom, fitting it tightly into the corners, and trim the excess dough.
- Prick the dough with a fork.
- Line with wax paper and fill with baking beans.
- Chill for 30 minutes.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes, until the dough looks set.
- Remove the paper and the beans and bake until the dough is crisp and golden brown, about 10 minutes more.
- Transfer to a wire rack.
- Reduce the oven temperature to 350F (180C).
- Meanwhile, to make the filling, grate the zest from 2 of the lemons.
- Juice the lemons: you should have 3/4 cup of juice.
- Whisk 3/4 cup of the sugar, the egg yolks, and cornstarch together in a bowl until the mixture is pale yellow.
- Gradually whisk in 1 cup water and the lemon juice.
- Add the butter.
- Pour into a saucepan.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly, until simmering and thickened.
- Reduce the heat to low and let bubble for 30 seconds.
- Strain through a wire sieve.
- Stir in the zest.
- Spread evenly in the tart shell.
- Beat the egg whites in a large bowl with an electric mixer until foamy.
- Add the cream of tartar and beat until soft peaks form.
- Beat in the remaining 1/2 cup sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until the meringue is thick and glossy.
- Spread the meringue over the hot filling, being sure that it touches the pie crust on all sides.
- Place the tart on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 1215 minutes until the meringue is tinged light brown.
- Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely.
- To slice, dip a thin, sharp knife into a tall glass of hot water before each slice.
shortcrust pastry, lemons, sugar, eggs, cornstarch, butter, cream of tartar, vanilla, tart pan with removable bottom, baking beans
Taken from www.cookstr.com/recipes/lemon-meringue-tart (may not work)