a sweet lemon meringue pie

This is one of my favorite desserts, since it takes a long time to make, I do not bake it as often as my family would like.... so it is perfect to make for Thanksgiving. (I do not do the turkey thing...!)

Lemon meringue pie, 

recipe from l'Academie de Cuisine

Didn't just look so yummy?

I do not use a lot of meringue, I like to see some of the lemon.

There are 3 components to this pie:

the pate sucree,

the lemon curd

and the Swiss Meringue.

For the pate sucree, I use the same recipe than the tarte aux fraises,

except that I add some lemon zest,

check here for the recipe for the dough.

There is enough dough for a regular size pie 

and 6 mini pies.

You need to blind bake the dough just like for the strawberry pie.

Next the lemon curd:

4 lemons, zest and juice

8 oz butter

12 oz sugar

4 eggs

Bring the lemon juice, lemon zest and butter to a boil.

In a bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar.

Slowly pour the boiling lemon butter mixture over the eggs, whisking constantly.

Return the mixture to the pot and bring to a boil over medium heat, whisking constantly.

Keep cooking for another 3-5 minutes after the curd has come to a boil.

Pass the lemon curd through a sieve and cool over an ice bath.

Finish cooling it in the fridge before covering the pie crust.

There is enough lemon curd for all the pies (2 larges, or 1 large, 6 small)

And finally the Swiss meringue:

6 oz egg white (6 eggs)

9 oz sugar

Combine the egg whites and sugar in a mixing bowl.

Place the bowl over a simmering water bath (big pot) and heat until the eggs whites thin

and the mixture reach at least 140 degrees.

Place the bowl on the mixer and whip on medium-high speed until the bowl is cool to the touch

and the meringue hols a stiff peak.

Use the meringue right away.

 I like to pipe the meringue to keep it light,

it is always an option to layer it on,

but the blow torch is a necessity as you can see below:

so much prettier with the meringue slightly burned!

While it is fun to make tartelettes, it is also good 

to make a large pie to serve a crowd.

It can easily serve 12 people, it is pretty rich dessert with nice and strong lemon test.

I wish you and your family  Happy Thanksgiving!