Lemon Meringue Pie Recipe Using Bottled Lemon Juice
Lemon meringue pie is a classic dessert that combines the tangy flavor of lemon with the fluffy sweetness of meringue. While some recipes call for fresh squeezed lemon juice, it's not always convenient to have fresh lemons on hand. That's where bottled lemon juice comes in! Here's a recipe for lemon meringue pie using bottled lemon juice that will give you the same delicious results.
Ingredients:
- 1 9-inch pie crust, baked and cooled
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1/2 cup bottled lemon juice
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 4 egg whites
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
Directions:
1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually stir in water and bottled lemon juice until smooth.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a boil. Boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
3. Remove from heat. In a small bowl, beat egg yolks until smooth. Gradually whisk in 1 cup of hot lemon mixture until blended.
4. Return mixture to saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in butter. Pour hot filling into pie crust.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, beat egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in 1/4 cup sugar and cream of tartar, beating until stiff peaks form.
6. Spread meringue evenly over hot filling, sealing edges to crust. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until meringue is golden brown. Cool on a wire rack for 1 hour. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving.
Tips:
- Be sure to use bottled lemon juice that is 100% pure lemon juice with no added sugar or preservatives.
- When making the meringue, make sure your bowl and beaters are completely clean and free of any oil or grease. Even a small amount of oil can prevent the egg whites from whipping up properly.
- To prevent the meringue from shrinking or weeping, spread it all the way to the edge of the crust to seal it in.
Conclusion:
Using bottled lemon juice is a convenient and easy way to make a delicious lemon meringue pie. With a few simple ingredients and some careful attention to technique, you can create a dessert that will impress your family and friends.