Lemon Silver Pie

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Introduction:
Lemon Silver Pie is a refreshing and elegant dessert that features a smooth, tangy lemon filling atop a delicate, silver meringue crust. This pie is perfect for any occasion, offering a delightful balance of tartness and sweetness. With its light and airy texture, Lemon Silver Pie is sure to impress your guests and become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

  • 1 1/2 cups (180g) graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted

For the Lemon Filling:

  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup (30g) cornstarch
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups (360ml) water
  • 2/3 cup (160ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 3-4 lemons)
  • 2 tablespoons lemon zest
  • 4 large egg yolks, beaten
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the Silver Meringue:

  • 4 large egg whites
  • 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Additions:

  • Lemon slices or zest for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Prepare the Crust:

  • In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar.
  • Add the melted butter and mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
  • Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish.
  • Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.

3. Prepare the Lemon Filling:

  • In a medium saucepan, whisk together the granulated sugar, flour, cornstarch, and salt.
  • Gradually stir in the water, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
  • Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil and thickens.
  • Remove from heat. Stir a small amount of the hot lemon mixture into the beaten egg yolks, then return the egg yolk mixture to the saucepan, whisking constantly.
  • Return to heat and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the butter until melted and smooth.
  • Pour the lemon filling into the cooled crust.

4. Prepare the Silver Meringue:

  • In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar on medium speed until soft peaks form.
  • Gradually add the granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating on high speed until stiff, glossy peaks form.
  • Beat in the vanilla extract.

5. Top the Pie with Meringue:

  • Spread the meringue over the hot lemon filling, ensuring it completely covers the filling and touches the crust all around (this helps to prevent the meringue from shrinking).
  • Use the back of a spoon to create decorative peaks in the meringue.

6. Bake the Pie:

  • Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the meringue is golden brown.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.

7. Serve:

  • Refrigerate the pie for at least 2 hours before serving to ensure the filling is fully set.
  • Garnish with lemon slices or zest if desired.

Tips for Success:

  • Ensure the egg whites are at room temperature for the best meringue volume.
  • Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
  • Be careful when adding the hot lemon mixture to the egg yolks to avoid curdling; tempering the yolks is key.

Nutritional Information:
(Nutritional values may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (assuming 8 servings)
  • Calories: Approximately 300-350
  • Total Fat: Approximately 14-16g
  • Saturated Fat: Approximately 8-10g
  • Cholesterol: Approximately 100-120mg
  • Sodium: Approximately 200-250mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: Approximately 42-46g
  • Dietary Fiber: Approximately 1g
  • Sugars: Approximately 30-34g
  • Protein: Approximately 4-5g

Recommendation:
Lemon Silver Pie is an ideal dessert for spring and summer gatherings. Its bright lemon flavor and light meringue topping make it a refreshing end to any meal. Serve it chilled with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful treat. This pie can be made a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld and the filling to set perfectly. Enjoy the sweet and tangy goodness of Lemon Silver Pie!

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