Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325ºF. This is an essential step to ensure that your pie is baked evenly. A well-preheated oven gives the meringue the perfect chance to rise and brown beautifully.
Step 2: Prepare the filling. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, salt, egg yolks, milk, and lemon juice. Whisk these ingredients together until smooth. As you whisk, feel free to express your love for baking; it makes the filling taste even better!
Step 3: Cook the mixture. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, whisking constantly for about 1 minute. You'll notice the mixture thickening; this is a sign that it's ready to be taken off the heat!
Step 4: Incorporate the butter and zest. Remove the saucepan from the heat and whisk in butter and lemon zest. This step adds richness and a burst of flavor. Don’t be shy; taste a little to ensure it’s perfect!
Step 5: Pour into the pie crust. Take your pre-baked and cooled pie shell and gently pour the lemon filling into it. Spread it evenly with a spatula, making sure every part of the crust is filled.
Step 6: Make the meringue. In a clean mixing bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until frothy. This is the beginning of your glorious meringue. It should start to look fluffy.
Step 7: Add sugar gradually. With the mixer still running, gradually add in sugar, one tablespoon at a time. Keep beating until stiff peaks form, which usually takes about 4 minutes. This is where the magic happens!
Step 8: Add vanilla. Once you reach those beautiful peaks, gently fold in vanilla extract. This adds a lovely aroma and flavor to the meringue.
Step 9: Spread the meringue over the lemon filling. Make sure to seal the edges to avoid shrinking during baking. It might feel like art, but it’s actually very forgiving!
Step 10: Bake the pie. Place the pie in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the meringue is lightly browned. Keep an eye on it, as every oven is different!
Step 11: Cool and chill. Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for about an hour. Then, refrigerate until you’re ready to serve. This will help the filling set and enhance the flavors.
