My Old Lemon Pie(Fifty-Five Years Old)

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A classic tangy lemon pie with a crisp meringue topping, combining bright citrus flavor with a sweet, airy finish, perfect for family gatherings or afternoon tea.

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups boiling water
  • 1 1/4 cups sugar
  • 5 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • Grated rind of 1 lemon
  • Juice of 1 lemon

Instructions

  1. Bring boiling water and sugar to a boil in a saucepan.
  2. Add cornstarch moistened with water, stirring constantly as you incorporate it.
  3. Return to the heat and cook for 3 minutes until thickened.
  4. Add egg yolks, salt, lemon juice, and lemon rind, stirring continuously.
  5. Allow the filling to cool slightly before pouring into the prepared pie shell.
  6. Cover the filling with well-beaten meringue made with 2 tablespoons of additional sugar.
  7. Bake in a preheated oven until the meringue is lightly browned.

Tips & Substitutions

For a smoother filling, strain the mixture before pouring it into the pie shell to remove any lumps. If you want to reduce sugar, consider using a natural sweetener like honey, although it may alter the flavor slightly. Make sure to beat the meringue until stiff peaks form for a perfect topping. For a twist, try adding a hint of vanilla extract to the filling for depth.

Serving Suggestions

This lemon pie is delightful on its own or served with a dollop of whipped cream for added richness. Pair it with a light salad or fresh fruit for a refreshing contrast. It also pairs beautifully with Cheese Dip For Vegetables for a delightful appetizer spread at a gathering.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover pie in the refrigerator, covered loosely with plastic wrap to prevent the meringue from becoming soggy. It can be kept for up to 2-3 days. To enjoy it again, simply serve chilled, as reheating meringue can lead to a less desirable texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of My Old Lemon Pie(Fifty-Five Years Old) contains roughly 239 calories, with 6g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (17% of the Daily Value), protein (12% of the Daily Value), and iron (11% of the Daily Value).

239 kcal 12% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6.2g 12% DV
Total Fat 4.8g 6% DV
Carbs 43.6g 16% DV
Fiber 2.1g 8% DV
Sugar 11.4g 23% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 96.3mg 4% DV
Potassium 194.5mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 123.6mg 41% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 7.3mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 15.3mg 17% DV
Vitamin D 0.3mcg 1% DV
Calcium 51.6mg 4% DV
Iron 2mg 11% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Egg

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought meringue for this recipe?

Yes, you can use store-bought meringue to save time, but homemade meringue tends to have a better texture and flavor. If using store-bought, ensure it's spread evenly over the filling to achieve a good bake.

What can I use instead of cornstarch?

If you don't have cornstarch, you can use an equal amount of tapioca starch or arrowroot powder as a thickener. Just remember that different thickeners may yield slightly different textures.

How can I make the pie more tangy?

To enhance the tanginess of the pie, consider increasing the lemon juice by an extra tablespoon or two. You can also add a bit of lemon zest for additional flavor and aroma.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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