Lemon Meringue Pie

 The best Lemon Meringue Pie recipe ever. A classic from Southern Living.

 Ingredients for Pie:

1 1/2 cups sugar

1/2 cup cornstarch

1/4 teaspoon salt

4 egg yolks

1 3/4 cup of water

2/3 cup lemon juice (strain)

3 Tablespoons butter

1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

A few drops of yellow food coloring (optional)

1 baked 9-inch pie crust (regular not deep) 

Ingredients for Meringue: 

3 egg whites 

1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar 

1/3 cup of sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Directions for Pie:

Combine first 3 ingredients in a large heavy saucepan; set mixture aside.

In a bowl combine egg yolks and water then stir into sugar mixture.

Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and boils. Boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly. 

Remove from heat. Stir in juice, butter, lemon zest and drops of food coloring.

Spoon into pie crust.  

Directions for Meringue:

Beat egg whites and cream of tartar in a grease-free bowl with a electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form.

Gradually add 1/3 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time beating at high speed until stiff peaks form and sugar dissolves (2 to 4 minutes). Add vanilla, beating until just blended.

Spread meringue over hot filling, sealing to the edge of the pie crust.

Bake at 325 for 25 minutes until top is browned.

Refrigerate a few hours before serving.