Mom's Lemon Meringue Pie

I always thought that my mother made the best lemon meringue pie in the whole world. Of course, back in those days, I hadn't eaten too many other ladies' lemon pies, so I'm sure I was a little bit prejudiced, but hers was really SO-O-O-O good!! And I LOVE lemon meringue pie - even to this day.

However, in my grownup life, I have come to realize that "not all lemon pies are equal." Never was this made more clear than the fateful day I had a piece of lemon meringue pie that a neighbor lady had made for Bill's Dad's birthday. We had gone to Heavener to see his folks, and there on the counter sat this BEAUTIFUL lemon meringue pie. And, it WAS pretty. I asked Hermann where he'd gotten it, knowing pretty well that Bill's mom probably hadn't made it, and he said that a neighbor had brought it over for him. I should have left it go right there, but no!! I HAD to say, "I really LOVE lemon meringue pie." So, of course, generous person that Hermann was, he said, "Well, get yourself a piece."

And I DID!!! That was the most AWFUL lemon pie I have ever put in my mouth. It was chewy - I believe the lady had ground up the whole lemon - rind and all - and put it in the filling. And SOUR!!! Apparently, she was not a real fan of sugar, because there wasn't much if any in that pie. Well, now I was in a fine fix. I'd gotten a very nice piece of Hermann's birthday pie, so felt morally OBLIGATED to eat the entire thing. But, I learned a valuable lesson. Just because something LOOKS really good, doesn't necessarily mean that IT IS!!!

But, the pie you make with THIS recipe is wonderful, so I hope that you all enjoy it.
Joan

MOM'S LEMON MERINGUE PIE

1 baked pie shell
1 cup boiling water
1/4 cup corn starch
1 cup sugar
2 eggs, separated
1 tbsp. butter
Juice and grated rind of 1 lemon

Place sugar and cornstarch in a pan. Pour boiling water over and cook until thick. Add beaten egg yolks and lemon juice and rind. Cool and place in a baked pie shell. Cover with meringue.

MERINGUE
Beat egg whites till fluffy. Add 1/2 cup powdered sugar and continue beating until mixture stands in peaks. Pile on cooled lemon filling, sealing to the edges and put in a 375 degree oven just until the meringue begins to brown.

There you have it. Lemon meringue pie heaven!!