My Most Favorite Dessert Dish - Lemon Meringue Pie

Nothing says loving like fresh homemade pie. Having started cooking at a very young age, I can remember going through my mother's recipe collection and couldn't wait until my parents leave home so I can start baking up something really good. I often thought my mom would be angry because I didn't ask for permission and in fear of her saying no. All she would say when she returned home was "you need to stay out my flour". That was the beginning of my love for cooking. One of my favorite recipes to make was Lemon Meringue Pie. 

 Lemon Meringue Pie

1 baked 9" pie shell
1 cup sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1 1/2 cups cold water
3 egg yolks, beaten
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 tablespoon margarine
3 egg whites
1/3 cup sugar
1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar
Grated rind of 1 lemon

In a 2-quart saucepan stir together 1 cup sugar and cornstarch. Gradually stir in water until smooth. Stir in egg yolks, stirring constantly. Bring to boil over low heat and boil for 1 minute. Remove from heat, stir in lemon juice, lemon rind and butter. Cool. Turn into pastry shell. In small bowl with mixer at high speed beat egg whites until foamy and stiff. Gradually beat in 1/3 cup sugar slowly. Add cream of tartar. Continue beating until stiff peaks form. Spread meringue over pie sealing completely. Bake in 350 degree oven for 15 minutes or until lightly brown. Cool. Serves 6 to 8.

When baking remembers ovens may bake at different altitudes therefore you may have to adjust your oven's temperature. If your dish appears to be baking too fast lower the oven temperature so that you won't burn your dish and that it will set properly.