Orange Meringue Pie

Elevate your dessert repertoire with a delightful citrus twist on the classic lemon meringue pie—introducing the delectable Orange Meringue Pie. Hailing from West Columbia, South Carolina, Karyn Lee shares this irresistible recipe that will leave your guests asking for more. With its tangy and zesty orange filling, velvety meringue topping, and flaky pastry crust, this pie promises to be a show-stopping treat for any occasion.

INGREDIENTS:

For the Filling:

• ¾ cup sugar
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• 1½ cups orange juice
• 3 egg yolks, lightly beaten
• 1 tablespoon butter

For the Meringue:

• 3 egg whites
• 6 tablespoons sugar

For the Crust:

• 1 pastry shell (9 inches), baked

Optional Garnish:

• Orange peel strips

PREPARATIONS:

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 for an additional 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
2. Stir ½ cup of the hot mixture into the lightly beaten egg yolks, then return all to the saucepan, stirring constantly. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, and cook and stir for an additional 2 minutes. Stir in the butter, and keep the filling warm.
3. In a small bowl, beat the egg whites on medium speed until foamy. Gradually beat in sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, on high speed until stiff peaks form and sugar is dissolved.
4. Pour the hot filling into the baked pastry shell, then spread the meringue over the filling, sealing the edges to the crust.
5. Bake the pie at 375°F for 15 minutes or until the meringue is golden brown. Allow it to cool on a wire rack for 1 hour.
6. Refrigerate the pie for at least 3 hours before serving. Garnish with orange peel strips if desired. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.

YIELD: Makes 6-8 servings

BAKE TIME: Prep: 30 minutes, Chilling: 3 hours, Baking: 15 minutes

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS AND TIPS:

• To achieve the perfect meringue, ensure that there are no traces of egg yolk in the egg whites, and beat them until stiff peaks form.
• For a picture-perfect presentation, garnish the pie with orange peel strips or zest for an extra burst of citrus flavor and visual appeal.

Elevate your dessert game with the tantalizing flavors of Orange Meringue Pie, a delightful twist on the beloved classic. Karyn Lee from West Columbia, South Carolina, shares this refreshing and zesty treat that will have your guests coming back for seconds. With its velvety citrus filling, cloud-like meringue topping, and flaky pastry crust, this pie is a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds.

The heart of this dessert lies in the vibrant and tangy orange filling. A perfect marriage of sugar, cornstarch, and orange juice, this silky concoction delights with every spoonful. The addition of lightly beaten egg yolks and butter adds a touch of richness, elevating the flavor profile to new heights.

A heavenly crown of meringue blankets the luscious filling, a fluffy masterpiece achieved through skillful beating of egg whites and sugar. The golden-brown peaks provide a delectable contrast to the smooth and tangy filling, creating a symphony of textures and flavors.

To complete the experience, the pie rests in a crisp and flaky pastry shell, forming the perfect canvas for this divine creation. For a picture-perfect presentation, garnish the pie with delicate strips of orange peel or a sprinkle of zest, adding an extra burst of citrus essence.

Orange Meringue Pie is an impressive dessert that shines at any gathering or celebration. Its bold flavors and visual appeal are sure to make it the star of the show, and your guests will undoubtedly be asking for the recipe. Prepare to indulge in the delightful citrus symphony and create lasting memories with this exceptional treat.