Lemon Pie. Mrs. E. Hughes. Recipe
Lemon pie is a classic dessert that has been enjoyed by many for its refreshing and tangy flavors. The origins of this recipe can be traced back to the early 19th century when citrus fruits started to become more widely available. It is believed to have gained popularity in America during this time due to the abundance of lemons being imported from Sicily. The lemon pie became a favorite among households for its bright and zesty taste.
Fun Fact: Did you know that lemons were considered a luxury item in ancient Rome? It wasn't until around the 18th century that lemons became more accessible to the general population.
Now, let's dive into the recipe for Mrs. E. Hughes' Lemon Pie:
Ingredients:
- 1 smooth, juicy lemon
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg-sized piece of butter
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 egg yolks
- Fine cracker crumbs for the crust
- 2 egg whites (for the frosting)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Start by grating the rind of the lemon, making sure to only get the vibrant yellow part and avoiding the bitter white pith. Then, squeeze out the juice from the lemon, straining it over the grated rind. This will infuse the lemony goodness into the pie filling.
3. In a separate bowl, combine one cup of sugar and the piece of butter, which should be about the size of an egg.
4. In a pan on the stove, bring one good-sized cupful of boiling water to a boil. In a small bowl, moisten one tablespoonful of cornstarch with a little water and then stir it into the boiling water. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens and forms a smooth consistency.
5. Once the cornstarch mixture has thickened, pour it over the sugar and butter mixture in the bowl. Stir in the lemon rind and juice.
6. Allow the mixture to cool for a little bit and then add the beaten yolks of two eggs. This will give the pie filling a rich and creamy texture.
7. Butter a deep pie plate and cover the entire surface with fine cracker crumbs. These crumbs will form the crust for the lemon pie and add a delightful crunch to every bite.
8. Pour the lemon filling into the prepared crust and smooth it out evenly.
9. Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes or until the filling is set and the crumbs form a golden brown crust.
10. While the pie is baking, prepare the frosting by beating the two egg whites until they reach stiff peaks. Once the pie has finished baking, remove it from the oven and spread the beaten egg whites on top of the pie.
11. Return the pie to the oven and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the frosting has browned slightly.
12. Once the pie has cooled, it is ready to be served! The combination of the tangy lemon filling, crunchy cracker crust, and fluffy meringue frosting is sure to delight your taste buds.
Fun Fact: Lemon pies are often enjoyed during the summer months when lemons are at their peak in terms of flavor and availability. Their refreshing taste makes them a perfect dessert for hot and sunny days.
Similar Recipe Dishes:
If you enjoy the bright and vibrant flavors of lemon pie, you might also love these similar recipe dishes:
- Lemon Bars: These bite-sized treats feature a buttery shortbread crust topped with a tangy lemon filling. They are perfect for parties and gatherings.
- Lemon Meringue Tart: This elegant dessert combines a buttery tart shell, tart lemon curd filling, and a fluffy meringue topping. It is a show-stopping dessert that will impress your guests.
- Lemon Icebox Pie: This chilled pie is made with a graham cracker crust and a creamy and tart lemon filling. It is a fantastic dessert to enjoy on hot summer days.
- Lemon Pound Cake: If you prefer cakes over pies, a lemon pound cake might be just what you're looking for. It features a moist and dense cake infused with lemon flavor and topped with a tangy lemon glaze.
Now that you have this delicious lemon pie recipe at your disposal, you can enjoy the delightful flavors of this classic dessert any time you desire. Happy baking!
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