Delight your taste buds with the tangy and creamy goodness of Gooseberry Meringue Pie—a dessert that never fails to draw compliments whenever served. Mary Hand from Cleveland, Missouri, has perfected this pie, featuring a delectable filling studded with tangy gooseberries. With a preparation and total time of just 30 minutes, you can create a delightful treat that serves 6 to 8 people.
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 cups canned, fresh, or frozen gooseberries
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1½ cups sugar, divided
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 cup milk
- 2 eggs, separated
- 1 pastry shell (9 inches), baked
PREPARATIONS:
- In a covered saucepan over medium heat, cook the gooseberries and water for 3-4 minutes or until tender. Stir in ¾ cup of sugar and set it aside.
- In another saucepan, combine ½ cup of sugar and cornstarch. Gradually add milk until the mixture becomes smooth, then bring it to a boil. Cook and stir over medium-high heat until thickened. Reduce the heat and cook and stir for an additional 2 minutes. Remove the mixture from the heat.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks. Gradually whisk a small amount of the hot filling into the yolks, then return the entire mixture to the pan. Bring it to a gentle boil, and cook and stir for 2 minutes. Remove it from the heat and stir in the gooseberry mixture. Pour the filling into the baked pastry shell.
- In a small bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining sugar, beating on high until stiff peaks form. Spread the meringue evenly over the hot filling, sealing it to the crust. Bake the pie at 350° for 10-15 minutes or until the meringue turns golden. Store the pie in the refrigerator.
YIELD: Makes 6-8 servings.
PREP/TOTAL TIME: 30 minutes.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- Allow the pie to cool before refrigerating to ensure a proper set of the meringue.
TIPS:
- For a beautiful finishing touch, consider garnishing the pie with a few fresh gooseberries before serving.
- Serve the Gooseberry Meringue Pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of temperatures and flavors.
The Gooseberry Meringue Pie is a delightful fusion of tangy gooseberries and creamy goodness—a dessert that never fails to receive compliments from those who taste it. Mary Hand from Cleveland, Missouri, has masterfully crafted this pie, creating a filling that showcases the unique flavors of gooseberries. With a preparation and total time of just 30 minutes, you can easily create a delightful treat to serve 6 to 8 people.
The gooseberries, cooked to tender perfection, are delicately sweetened with sugar to complement their natural tanginess. The addition of cornstarch and milk creates a creamy and luscious base for the filling, elevating the pie to a delightful dessert experience.
The meringue, made from fluffy egg whites and sugar, forms a delightful crown on top of the pie, adding an element of lightness and sophistication to the dessert. The gentle baking of the meringue gives it a beautiful golden hue, making it an eye-catching centerpiece on any dessert table.
Gooseberries, originally native to Europe, northwestern Africa, and southwestern Asia, have a rich history that includes a ban on their cultivation in the early 1900s due to concerns about white pine blister rust. However, the federal ban was lifted in 1966, allowing people to once again enjoy these delightful and tangy berries in culinary creations like this pie.
As you serve the Gooseberry Meringue Pie, consider garnishing it with a few fresh gooseberries for an enticing visual touch. A perfect pairing for this dessert is a scoop of vanilla ice cream, which adds a delightful contrast of temperatures and flavors.
In conclusion, the Gooseberry Meringue Pie is a delightful dessert that showcases the unique flavors of gooseberries. Mary Hand’s recipe is a true testament to her culinary artistry, creating a dessert that delights the taste buds and earns compliments from all who savor it. Whether it’s a special occasion or a simple gathering, this pie is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who taste its tangy and creamy goodness.
