LEMON MERINGUE PIE USING PUDDING MIX RECIPES

Steps:

• Thaw 2 pre-made 9" deep dish pie shells (or you can make your own crusts) and using a fork prick the shell all around, so the crust doesn't puff up during the baking time.
• Bake the pie shells in a pre-heated 400° oven for 10-12 minutes until lightly browned; set aside to cool.
• Divide the egg yolks and reserve the whites for the meringue, making sure there is NO egg yolk in the whites. I remove the white membrane from the reserved egg whites also. Keep the egg white at room temperature.
• In a microwaveable safe glass bowl, combine the pudding mix, sugar, whipped egg yolks, 1/3 cup of lemon juice, and 2/3 cup of the water. Whisk the ingredients until all is combined.
• Add the remaining 5 cups of water.
• Place in the microwave on full power and cook (STIRRING EVERY 3 MINUTES) for about 16-18 minutes. Note: If you use hot water it would be less cooking time. I use cold because that's the way mom wanted it done.
• The pudding will be semi-thick. The pudding will thicken more as it cools.
• Fill each of the pre-baked pie crusts and set aside while you make the meringue.
• In a large bowl, add the reserved egg whites and beat on high just until it starts to get foamy.
• Add 1 Tbsp of the sugar at a time, beating between each addition, until all the sugar is used.
• Continue to beat on high until stiff peaks form in the egg whites.
• Spoon half of the firm meringue onto each pie and spread out to seal the edge of the pie.
• Using your spatula or spoon, tap the top of the meringue to lift up peaks on the pie.
• Bake the pie on the center oven rack for 10-12 minutes @ 350F until the meringue is a golden brown.
• Note: It's best if you chill this pie before cutting into it. This meringue does weep but mom never cared because the pies never lasted that long anyway... LOL.

Steps:

• MAKE PIE CRUST or use frozen/refrigerated. Cut shortening into flour in a large bowl until it looks like coarse crumbs. beat an egg, and pour over crumbs. Add water, vinegar and salt and stir gently to combine. Divide into 3 equal balls and flatten into discs. Wrap well with plastic wrap and freeze 2 for future use. Freeze one for 20 minutes, then roll out, line pie plate and flute the edges.
• BLIND BAKE. Lay a sheet of parchment paper or foil(sprayed the surface that touches the crust with non stick spray) over crust-and fill with dry beans, rice or pie weights. Bake @ 425 for 15 minutes. Remove from oven, lower heat to 375. Remove the parchment/foil and weights. Moisture proof the crust by applying egg wash with a pastry brush on the bottom of the crust and about an inch up the sides. Resume baking the crust for 5-7 minutes until light golden brown. Remove from oven and allow to cool.
• MAKE MERINGUE (It needs to be ready as soon as the shell is filled) If you haven't separated your eggs, do so at this time, placing the whites in a CLEAN mixing bowl and the yolks in a medium saucepan. With CLEAN BEATERS begin to mix the egg whites on medium high. Beat to soft peak stage-to check from time to time-turn off mixer and lift some whites up with the beaters, the tip should softly flop over. Begin slowly sprinkling sugar a spoonfull at a time, while beating constantly, until all sugar is incorporated. Continue beating until sugar is dissolved(not gritty when tested with thumb and forefinger) And stiff peaks are formed. Set aside. Preheat oven to 325.
• PREPARE FILLING Empty pudding mix in the saucepan with yolks, add 3/4c sugar and whisk to incorporate, adding water a little at a time to avoid lumps. When all water is incorporated, place pan over medium to medium high heat and stir constantly with a wooden spoon. Cook until thickened and mixture reaches a full boil. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice and zest.
• Pour immediately into prepared pie shell.
• Immedately spoon or pipe meringue mixture over hot filling, completely sealing to the crust and swirl as desired. Bake @ 325 for 15-20 minutes until tips of meringue are golden. Cool to room temperature or chill before serving.