Orange Meringue (a Pie) Recipe

Orange meringue pie is a delightful and refreshing dessert that combines the tangy flavor of oranges with the light and fluffy texture of meringue. It is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, making it a favorite treat for citrus lovers. In this recipe, we will guide you through the steps to create this scrumptious pie.

Fun fact: Meringue is believed to have originated in Swiss and French cuisines during the 17th century. The term "meringue" is derived from the Swiss village of Meiringen, where a pastry chef accidentally discovered this fluffy delight. Since then, meringue has become a staple in many dessert recipes around the world.

Let's dive into the recipe!

Ingredients:
- 1 large, juicy orange
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 3 eggs, separated
- 2 tablespoons of corn starch
- 1 cup of boiling water
- 1 pre-baked pie crust of superior pastry

Instructions:

1. Start by grating the yellow outside rind of the large, juicy orange into a bowl. Be cautious not to include any of the tough part enclosing sections.

2. Squeeze the juice and pulp of the orange into the same bowl. This will infuse the pie filling with a burst of citrus flavor.

3. Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to the orange mixture. The tanginess of the lemon will enhance the orange flavor.

4. In a separate bowl, beat 1 cup of granulated sugar with 2 tablespoons of butter until creamy. This will provide a smooth and sweet base for the filling.

5. Add the beaten sugar and butter mixture to the orange mixture. Mix well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly combined.

6. Separate the yolks from the 3 eggs and add them to the orange mixture. This will add richness and help bind the filling together.

7. In a small bowl, mix 2 large tablespoons of corn starch with a little cold water until smooth. This will help thicken the filling.

8. Add the cornstarch mixture to the orange mixture. Stir well to prevent any lumps from forming.

9. In a saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a boil. Once boiling, slowly pour the boiling water into the orange mixture, stirring continuously.

10. Return the orange mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and allow it to cool.

11. Take a rather large pie-tin and line it with the pre-baked crust of superior pastry. This will provide a delicious base for the pie.

12. Spread the cooled orange filling evenly onto the pie crust.

13. In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. This will create a light and airy meringue topping.

14. Gradually add 3 tablespoons of pulverized sugar to the beaten egg whites, continuing to beat until the meringue is glossy and forms soft peaks.

15. Spread the meringue over the top of the pie, covering the orange filling completely. Use the back of a spoon to create decorative peaks or swirls.

16. Place the pie in the oven and bake until the meringue turns a light fawn color. This should take about 10-15 minutes.

17. Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool before serving. The meringue will crisp up as it cools.

Enjoy the heavenly combination of the sweet and tangy orange filling and the fluffy meringue topping in every decadent bite!

Similar Recipe Dishes:
If you're a fan of citrus-inspired pies, you might also enjoy trying Lemon Meringue Pie or Key Lime Pie. These pies follow a similar process but with different fruity flavors. Lemon meringue pie is a classic dessert that has been enjoyed for generations, while key lime pie offers a tangy twist with the use of key lime juice. Both pies feature the delicate meringue topping that adds a light and airy texture to complement the zesty filling.

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