#2869 - Scratch Lemon Pie

(by Shirley McNevich)

1 - 9" pre-baked pie dough shell (or make your own pie dough and bake it)
1 1/4 cups white sugar
6 TBSP cornstarch
2 cups water
1/3 cup lemon juice
3 egg yolks (save egg whites for meringue)
1 1/2 tsp. lemon extract2 tsp. cider vinegar
3 TBSP softened butter
Meringue: 1 TBSP cornstarch; 2 TBSP cold water; 1/2 cup boiling water; 3 egg whites; 6 TBSP white sugar; 1 tsp. vanilla; a pinch of salt

In a double boiler (not over heat yet) add white sugar, 6 TBSP cornstarch and slowly add the 2 cups of water--stir. In a bowl add egg yolks and lemon juice--beat with a whisk until mixed. Add egg yolk mixture to sugar mixture--stir with a whisk until mixed. Place double boiler on burner--turn heat to medium. Cook/stir the mixture until mixture gets thick (takes about 25 minutes). Remove mixture from stove--add lemon extact, butter and cider vinegar--stir well until butter melts and mixture is smooth. Pour the mixture into the baked pie crust--set it aside while you make the meringue. Meringue: in a saucepan (no heat yet) add 1 TBSP cornstarch--slowly stir/add 2 TBSP cold water. Slowly add 1/2 cup boiling water while stirring. Place the saucepan on the stove over medium heat--cook/stir until mixture gets clear and thickened. Let the mixture cool to room temperature. In a mixer add the egg whites--beat until foaming. Slowly add white sugar while beating on medium speed. Keep beating mixture while adding the salt and vanilla, then beat the mixture until stiff. Keep the mixer running while slowly adding the cooled cornstarch mixture--beat well, then turn mixer on high and beat well. Spread the meringue mixture over the top of the lemon pie using a spatula--make sure none of the lemon mixture is showing through. Wet your forefinger and lightly touch the meringue and make a spiral pattern in the meringue (starting at the edge and ending up in the center of the pie). Bake at 375 degrees for 10-15 minutes or until meringue is slightly browned. Cool completely. Refrigerate until cold.