MOM'S EASY LEMON MERINGUE PIES

Steps:

• 1. Thaw 2 pre-made 9" deep dish pie shells (or you can make your own crusts) and using a fork prick the shell all around, so the crust doesn't puff up during the baking time.
• 2. Bake the pie shells in a pre-heated 400° oven for 10-12 minutes until lightly browned; set aside to cool.
• 3. Divide the egg yolks and reserve the whites for the meringue, making sure there is NO egg yolk in the whites. I remove the white membrane from the reserved egg whites also. Keep the egg white at room temperature.
• 4. In a microwaveable safe glass bowl, combine the pudding mix, sugar, whipped egg yolks, 1/3 cup of lemon juice, and 2/3 cup of the water. Whisk the ingredients until all is combined.
• 5. Add the remaining 5 cups of water.
• 6. Place in the microwave on full power and cook (STIRRING EVERY 3 MINUTES) for about 16-18 minutes. Note: If you use hot water it would be less cooking time. I use cold because that's the way mom wanted it done.
• 7. The pudding will be semi-thick. The pudding will thicken more as it cools.
• 8. Fill each of the pre-baked pie crusts and set aside while you make the meringue.
• 9. In a large bowl, add the reserved egg whites and beat on high just until it starts to get foamy.
• 10. Add 1 Tbsp of the sugar at a time, beating between each addition, until all the sugar is used.
• 11. Continue to beat on high until stiff peaks form in the egg whites.
• 12. Spoon half of the firm meringue onto each pie and spread out to seal the edge of the pie.
• 13. Using your spatula or spoon, tap the top of the meringue to lift up peaks on the pie.
• 14. Bake the pie on the center oven rack for 10-12 minutes @ 350F until the meringue is a golden brown.
• 15. Note: It's best if you chill this pie before cutting into it. This meringue does weep but mom never cared because the pies never lasted that long anyway... LOL.