A Slice of Sunshine: There’s something undeniably captivating about a lemon meringue pie. It’s not just the sweet and tangy symphony of flavors that dances on your palate, but also the visual poetry that unfolds before your eyes. Each element, carefully crafted, tells a story of balance, contrast, and pure culinary artistry.
A Humble Foundation: The journey begins with the crust, a golden brown vessel that cradles the zesty filling. Its flaky layers, achieved through the delicate balance of butter and flour, offer a satisfying crunch that gives way to a buttery richness. It’s a simple yet essential element, providing a sturdy base for the vibrant flavors to come.
A Burst of Sunshine: Then comes the lemon curd, a vibrant yellow pool that shimmers with citrusy allure. Its smooth, velvety texture contrasts beautifully with the crisp crust, while its tangy flavor awakens the senses. Each spoonful is a burst of sunshine, a reminder of warm summer days and the simple joys of life.
The Meringue Crown: Crowning this citrusy delight is a cloud of meringue, its peaks and swirls reminiscent of a fluffy white cloud. The meringue’s delicate sweetness tempers the lemon’s tartness, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. Its airy lightness contrasts with the dense curd, adding a touch of ethereal beauty to the pie.
The Visual Symphony: But the true beauty of a lemon meringue pie lies in its visual symphony. The contrast between the golden crust, the vibrant yellow curd, and the snowy white meringue is a feast for the eyes. The interplay of textures, from the flaky crust to the smooth curd and the airy meringue, adds another layer of visual interest. And the way the meringue is piped, whether in elegant swirls or playful peaks, adds a touch of personality to each pie.
A Slice of Happiness: A lemon meringue pie is more than just a dessert; it’s a work of art, a testament to the beauty that can be found in simple ingredients and thoughtful preparation. It’s a slice of sunshine on a cloudy day, a reminder that even in the simplest of things, there is beauty to be found. So this spring and summer when presented with a lemon meringue pie, take a moment to appreciate its design beauty, and savor the sweet and tangy symphony that awaits you.
Best Lemon Meringue Pie Ever
A slice of cool, creamy lemon meringue pie is the perfect summer treat.
By Southern Living Test Kitchen
Active Time: 20 mins Bake Time: 22 mins Total Time: 45 mins Servings: 8Ingredients
Lemon Filling:
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1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
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5 Tbsp. cornstarch
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1/8 tsp. salt
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4 large egg yolks
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1 3/4 cups whole milk
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1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
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3 Tbsp. butter
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1 tsp. lemon zest
Mile-High Meringue:
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6 large egg whites
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1/2 tsp. cream of tartar
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
Additional Ingredient:
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1 (9-in.) baked piecrust shell
Preheat oven to 325°F.
Make Lemon Filling:
Whisk together first 3 ingredients in a medium-size heavy non-aluminum saucepan.
Separately, whisk together egg yolks and next 2 ingredients in a large bowl; whisk egg yolk mixture into sugar mixture in pan over medium heat, stirring constantly until mixture thickens, about 9 minutes.
Bring to a boil, and boil, whisking constantly, 1 minute.
Add butter and zest:
Remove from heat. Stir in butter and zest until smooth.
Add Filling to crust by spooning curd into piecrust.
Prepare the Meringue:
Beat egg whites and cream of tartar at high speed with an electric mixer just until foamy. Gradually add sugar, 1 Tbsp. at a time, beating until stiff peaks form and sugar dissolves (2 to 4 minutes). Add vanilla, beating well. Add Meringue to pie and spread Mile-High Meringue over hot filling, sealing edges.
Bake pie:
Bake at 325°F for 20 to 22 minutes or until meringue peaks are lightly browned. Let cool completely on a wire rack (about 1 hour). Store in refrigerator.
