LEMON CUSTARD IN MERINGUE CUPS

Lemon Custard in Meringue Cups image

My husband loves lemon meringue pie. This variation is a favorite of his. I like it, too...it's very easy to make but looks very elegant. I've served it at every occasion from a formal dinner party to just a casual get-together. Ever since I was a young girl, making desserts has been a favorite hobby. Over the years, I've filled two binders with recipes for them!

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 50m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

MERINGUE:
3 large eggs, separated, room temperature
1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt, divided
2 cups sugar, divided
CUSTARD:
1/3 cup cornstarch
1-1/2 cups cold water
1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
6 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons butter
Sweetened whipped cream

Steps:

For meringue, in a large bowl, beat the egg whites, vinegar, vanilla and 1/8 teaspoon salt on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in 1 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, on high until stiff glossy peaks form and sugar is dissolved. , Line baking sheet with parchment. Spoon egg white mixture into 8 mounds on paper. Shape into cups with a spoon. , Bake at 300° for 35 minutes. Turn oven off and leave door closed; let shells dry in oven at least 1 hour. Remove shells from paper. When thoroughly cooled, store in an airtight container. , For custard, in a small saucepan, combine the cornstarch and remaining sugar and salt. Stir in water until smooth. Cook and stir over medium-high heat until thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Remove from the heat., Beat egg yolks. Stir a small amount of hot mixture into egg yolks; return all to pan, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle boil; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Remove from the heat; gently stir in the lemon juice, zest and butter. Cool to room temperature without stirring. Chill. , Just before serving, fill meringue shells with custard and top with whipped cream.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 270 calories, Fat 5g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 87mg cholesterol, Sodium 127mg sodium, Carbohydrate 56g carbohydrate (49g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 2g protein.