VANILLA MERINGUE CUSTARD PIE

Vanilla Meringue Custard Pie image

Provided by Nancy Allen

Categories Pies

Time 50m

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 9-inch single plain pastry shell, baked (your favorite)
1 c granulated sugar
1/4 c cornstarch
1/8 tsp salt
2 1/2 c milk
3 egg yolks, well beaten (reserve the whites)
2 Tbsp butter, softened
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
MERINGUE
3 egg whites, stiffly beaten
1/8 tsp salt
1/4 tsp cream of tartar
6 Tbsp granulated sugar
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Steps:

1. Prepare your favorite pastry crust in a 9 1/2 inch pie plate. Bake according to your directions and then let it cool while you make your custard filling.
2. Custard-In a large saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually stir in milk until smooth. Bring to a boil over medium heat until slightly thickened, stirring constantly.
3. Quickly stir 1/3 cup hot mixture into beaten egg yolks. Return this mixture to saucepan. Cook and stir 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in butter and vanilla extract.
4. Spread evenly into shell. Set aside. Meringue-Preheat the oven to 375F. Using an electric mixer, beat egg whites until foamy. Gradually add salt, cream of tartar, sugar, and vanilla extract, beating until stiff and shiny.
5. Quickly spread over filling to the edge. Bake 15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven; cool in refrigerator for 2 hours to set properly before serving.