Father's Day Favorite - Lemon Meringue Pie

Cooking has always been a way for me to show others how much I love and care for them. Nothing says "I Love You" better than a great meal or special dessert. I have fond memories of making Lemon Meringue Pie for my Dad on Father's Day and for his birthday. It was his favorite dessert and having one homemade, well that just made him give up the car for a great night out with my friends!

There's nothing too difficult about preparing this pie, except that it's best when made the day you will be enjoying it. The hardest part is cooking the meringue just so to get that ultimate crust on those sweet egg whites.

So here I share a version from Sunkist that is similar to my old favorite. I hope you and Dad enjoy it too this Father's Day.

• Easy Lemon Meringue Pie - courtesy of Sunkist.com
• 4 1/3 Oz. Pudding Mix, lemon flavor (not instant)
• 3/4 Cups Sugar
• 3 Cups Water
• 3 Tbsp. Lemon Juice
• 3 Egg Yolks, well beaten
• 1/2 Lemon Peel, grated
• 1 Graham Cracker Crumb Pie Crust (9-inch) thawed and baked or refrigerated crust, formed and baked
• Egg Meringue (see below)
• 3 Each Egg Whites
• 1/4 Teaspoon Cream of Tartar
• 6 Tablespoons Sugar

1. In saucepan, thoroughly combine pudding mix and sugar.

2. Gradually blend in water and lemon juice.

3. Stir in egg yolks.

4. Bring to full boil over medium heat, stirring constantly with rubber spatula, until thickened.

5. Stir in lemon peel.

6. Pour into baked pie crust

7. Top with Three-Egg Meringue (see instructions below), sealing well at edges.

8. Bake at 350 degrees F for 12 to 15 minutes.

9. Cool for 2-1/2 to 3 hours before serving.

10. Refrigerate leftovers.

THREE-EGG MERINGUE:

11. In bowl, with electric mixer, beat 3 egg whites with 1/4 tsp. cream of tartar until foamy.

12. Gradually add 6 tbsp. sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.

Photo: Courtesy sunkist.com