Lemon Meringue Pie

Nothing pairs better with the pure dog days of summer than a refreshing lemon pie. I have always been intimidated by lemon meringue pies. So many things can go wrong! The pie crust might be a tad too brown, the filling too runny, the meringue might weep or turn grainy. Do not be afraid! The recipe below is fool proof, and the towering meringue can make any cook look like a pro.

This recipe makes two pies, as I believe one pie is never enough!! Make one for your next event and keep one for home! The recipe does call for two whole lemons which does go against every grain of culinary student still trapped inside my 35 year old body. I was taught never to allow the bitter white pith of lemon rind to mar the delicate flavor of lemon zest. However, I love the vibrant flavor of this pie and I attribute that lively flavor to using two whole lemons!

2 9inch Deep Dish Pie Crust

Filling:

2 Whole Lemons

3 c Sugar

4 Tbs. Flour

6 Tbs. Cornstarch

2 c Water

1 c Lemon Juice

1 tsp. Salt

10 Egg Yolks

3 Tbs. Butter

Meringue:

10 Egg Whites

1/2 c Sugar

1 Tbs. Cream of Tartar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prick pie crust with a fork and cook until barely brown (approximately 8-10 minutes).

Prepare filling: Place sugar, flour, cornstarch, and salt in non-reactive pot. Mix well. Add water, lemon juice, and egg yolk. Mix with a whisk until all egg yolks are incorporated. Quarter whole lemons and remove the seeds. Place in blender/food processor and pulverize. Add to egg yolk mixture. Place over medium heat and stir constantly until mixture bubbles and becomes thick. Do not allow to boil. Remove from heat and whisk in butter. Pour into prepared pie shells.

Prepare meringue: Place egg whites, sugar, and cream of tartar in mixer with whip attachment. Beat until stiff peaks form.

Top pies with meringue. Bake at 350 degrees for 10- 12 minutes or until meringue is golden brown. Allow to cool and set before slicing.

Strawberry Cobbler

Traditionally I think of cobbler as a dessert but with the addition of a little oatmeal and Bisquick I think this recipe could easily be used as a breakfast treat! I pair this cobbler with my favorite bourbon vanilla ice cream.

2 c Strawberries Sliced

1/2 c Sugar

1 Tbs. Corn Starch

1 Stick Butter

3 c Bisquick

1 c Sugar

1 1/2 c Milk

1/2 c Rolled Oats

1/2 c Brown Sugar

Dash of Cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place butter in 9x13 baking dish or cast iron skillet. Place dish in oven until butter is melted. Mix together strawberries, sugar, and cornstarch and set aside. Place Bisquick and sugar in a bowl and mix well. Add milk and stir until just combined. Pour Bisquick mixture into dish over melted butter. Spoon strawberries evenly over batter. Do not stir. Combine oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Sprinkle over top of cobbler. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Edges will be golden brown and set, but the middle will be jiggly. Serve immediately with fresh whipped cream or ice cream.

• You can use any fruit with this recipe. I particularly love peaches!

• You can substitute self rising flour for Bisquick

• I like to add a dash of vanilla or nutmeg for additional flavor

• I always use butter. Never margarine.

Fudge Brownie Pie

Every now and then I find myself in the mood for ooey, gooey chocolate fudge goodness. I crave chocolate so rich its almost hard to stomach with out a tall glass of ice cold milk. I am not ashamed to admit my favorite Little Debbie snack is a Cosmic Brownie, and this pie reminds of my favorite guilty pleasure.

2 Deep Dish Pie Crusts

2 c Butter (1 pound)

1/4 c Oil

5 c Sugar

8 eggs

2 c Plain Flour

2 c Cocoa Powder

2 c Pecans

2 Tbs. Bourbon Vanilla

Place dry ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Add eggs, melted butter, oil, and vanilla. Mix just until combined. Do not over mix. Batter will be stiff. Spoon into pie crust. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes to 1 hour. The middle will remain fudgy but the outsides of the pie will be set. Let cool completely. Serve with fresh whipping cream. You can omit the bourbon vanilla and add strong brewed coffee for a variation!

Honey Spice Bars

My Grandmother has made these easy dessert bars for years. She keeps them in a sealed container on her buffet waiting for lucky guests to stop by and enjoy along with her famous cheese straws. These bars take 30 minutes or less to prepare and cook. You probably have the short list of ingredients in your pantry!

Bars:

1 c Sugar

3/4 c Oil

1/4 c Honey (Vanilla Bean Bear Hug Honey)

1 large Egg

2 c All-Purpose Flour

1 tsp Baking Soda

1 tsp Cinnamon

1/4 tsp Salt

1 c Pecans chopped

Glaze:

1 c Powdered Sugar

2 Tbs. Mayonnaise

1 tsp Vanilla

1 Tbs Honey

1-2 Tbs Water

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place all bar ingredients in a bowl and mix until just combined. Pour mixture into greased 9x13 baking dish. Batter is very thick. Spread batter with spatula or hands to edges of pan. Bake 12-15 minutes. While bars are baking place all glaze ingredients in a bowl and whisk until smooth. Remove bars from oven and let cool 5 minutes. Pour glaze over bars and spread until the top of bars are completely covered. Let cool completely and slice into bite size bars.