a. In a food processor, pulse together flour, sugar, and salt.
b. Add cold, cubed butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
c. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and pulse until the dough comes together.
d. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
e. Roll out the chilled dough and place it in a 9-inch pie dish. Crimp the edges and refrigerate while you prepare the filling.
2. Prebake the Pie Crust:
a. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
b. Line the chilled pie crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans.
c. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove the weights and parchment, then bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the crust is golden. Allow it to cool.
3. Make the Lemon Filling:
a. In a saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
b. Gradually whisk in water, followed by beaten egg yolks.
c. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens.
d. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in butter, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
4. Assemble and Bake:
a. Pour the lemon filling into the prebaked pie crust.
b. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
5. Prepare the Meringue:
a. In a clean, dry bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
b. Gradually add sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat until stiff peaks form.
c. Beat in vanilla extract.
6. Top with Meringue:
a. Spoon the meringue over the lemon filling, spreading it to the edges to seal the pie.
b. Create decorative peaks with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
7. Bake Meringue:
a. Bake the pie for 15-20 minutes or until the meringue is golden brown.
8. Cool and Serve:
a. Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack before refrigerating for at least 2 hours.
b. Slice and serve Grandma’s Lemon Meringue Pie, savoring the layers of tart lemony goodness and fluffy meringue.
Conclusion:
Grandma’s Lemon Meringue Pie is a testament to the enduring magic of family recipes. With its buttery crust, tangy lemon filling, and billowy meringue, this pie captures the essence of homemade comfort and the joy of shared meals. As you savor each bite, you’re not just enjoying a dessert – you’re experiencing a piece of family history. Carry on the tradition and create memories with this timeless recipe. Grandma’s legacy lives on in every slice. Bon appétit!