Lemon Meringue Pie: When life gives you lemons, dare to squeeze 'em & bake a pie

Lemon Meringué Mini-pie glazed in caramel syrup

Despite that 2007 started and ended a very promising year for me 2008 on the otherhand didn't start that well in my family; dad's been hospitalized while grand-mom (in-laws side) still in the hospital. Sometimes I wish I could turn back the clock and still be the same innocent child I was, more carefree and worry about nothing. For If I could count by liters all the tears I shed over all my frustrations, sadness and fears since I started being aware of the realities of life, It could probably fill up a dozen of olympic size pools. But nonetheless, challenges are part and parcel of life. And the manner we deal with it and what we do next that really counts.

When Lemon comes our way, they don't come once, not twice but dozen

Speaking of challenges, Daring Baker's January challenge hosted by Canadian Baker was all about baking lemon meringue pie. My story with this pie started way back in Japan. We had a kilo of lemon sleeping in the fridge and I thought of using them by baking a pie. I thought I invented something, but to my dismay when hubby told me it's his favorite and this pie really existed. Ha haha, what a great pretention on my side. Anyways, I am never a good baker because I hate following recipes (that's why DB challenges are always a big "challenge" for me), since I normally do it with feeling.

I have noticed that there were quite some complain regarding the result of the recipe provided for this challenge; claiming the lemon custard is too runny or too sweet, and many other more. Since I don't want to do the challenge twice (meaning if I will ruin my first attempt) I opted to solve the issue of the runny custard by baking mini-pies or tartlettes. This way we will never be bothered since the pies will be served invidividually. I would admit I normally have a different recipe when I do my lemon-meringue pie but the given recipe is also worth a try.

Sitting and pondering.........

Lemon Meringue Pie
Makes one 10-inch (25 cm) pie

For the Crust:
3/4 cup (180 mL) cold butter; cut into ½-inch (1.2 cm) pieces
2 cups (475 mL) all-purpose flour
1/4 cup (60 mL) granulated sugar
1/4 tsp (1.2 mL) salt
1/3 cup (80 mL) ice water

For the Filling:
2 cups (475 mL) water
1 cup (240 mL) granulated sugar
1/2 cup (120 mL) cornstarch
5 egg yolks, beaten
1/4 cup (60 mL) butter
3/4 cup (180 mL) fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp (15 mL) lemon zest
1 tsp (5 mL) vanilla extract

For the Meringue:
5 egg whites, room temperature
1/2 tsp (2.5 mL) cream of tartar
1/4 tsp (1.2 mL) salt
1/2 tsp (2.5 mL) vanilla extract
3/4 cup (180 mL) granulated sugar

To Make the Crust:
Make sure all ingredients are as cold as possible. Using a food processor or pastry cutter and a large bowl, combine the butter, flour, sugar and salt.Process or cut in until the mixture resembles coarse meal and begins to clump together. Sprinkle with water, let rest 30 seconds and then either process very briefly or cut in with about 15 strokes of the pastry cutter, just until the dough begins to stick together and come away from the sides of the bowl. Turn onto a lightly floured work surface and press together to form a disk. Wrap in plastic and chill for at least 20 minutes.

Allow the dough to warm slightly to room temperature if it is too hard to roll. On a lightly floured board (or countertop) roll the disk to a thickness of 1/8 inch (.3 cm). Cut a circle about 2 inches (5 cm) larger than the pie plate and transfer the pastry into the plate by folding it in half or by rolling it onto the rolling pin. Turn the pastry under, leaving an edge that hangs over the plate about 1/2 inch (1.2 cm). Flute decoratively. Chill for 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350ºF (180ºC). Line the crust with foil and fill with metal pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Carefully remove the foil and continue baking for 10 to 15 minutes, until golden. Cool completely before filling.

To Make the Filling:
Bring the water to a boil in a large, heavy saucepan. Remove from the heat and let rest 5 minutes. Whisk the sugar and cornstarch together. Add the mixture gradually to the hot water, whisking until completely incorporated. Return to the heat and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until the mixture comes to a boil. The mixture will be very thick. Add about 1 cup (240 mL) of the hot mixture to the beaten egg yolks, whisking until smooth. Whisking vigorously, add the warmed yolks to the pot and continue cooking, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a boil. Remove from the heat and stir in butter until incorporated. Add the lemon juice, zest and vanilla, stirring until combined. Pour into the prepared crust. Cover with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming on the surface, and cool to room temperature.

To Make the Meringue:
Preheat the oven to 375ºF (190ºC). Using an electric mixer beat the egg whites with the cream of tartar, salt and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Add the sugar gradually, beating until it forms stiff, glossy peaks. Pile onto the cooled pie, bringing the meringue all the way over to the edge of the crust to seal it completely. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until golden. Cool on a rack. Serve within 6 hours to avoid a soggy crust.

Dare for a bite?