Orange Meringue Pie Recipe

By dette

Karyn Lee from West Columbia, South Carolina suggests a citrus twist to a traditional favorite. "Try this pie the next time you have company, and you're sure to be asked for the recipe." —Karyn Lee, West Columbia, South Carolina

Ingredients

• MERINGUE:
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1-1/2 cups orange juice
• 3 egg yolks, lightly beaten
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 3 egg whites
• 6 tablespoons sugar
• 1 pastry shell (9 inches), baked
• Orange peel strips, optional

Preparation

Step 1

In a large saucepan, combine sugar and cornstarch. Stir in orange juice 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. Stir 1/2 cup hot mixture into egg yolks; return all to the pan, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle boil; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Stir in butter; keep warm.
In a small bowl, beat the egg whites on medium speed until foamy. Gradually beat in sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, on high just until stiff peaks form and sugar is dissolved. Pour hot filling into pastry shell. Spread meringue over filling, sealing edges to crust.
Bake at 375° for 15 minutes or until the meringue is golden brown. Cool on a wire rack for 1 hour.
Refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving. Garnish with orange peel if desired. Refrigerate leftovers. Yield: 6-8 servings.

Nutritional Facts
1 serving (1 slice) equals 306 calories, 10 g fat (4 g saturated fat), 89 mg cholesterol, 138 mg sodium, 50 g carbohydrate, trace fiber, 4 g protein.