As you turn the pages of your favorite tales, why not indulge in a sweet treat that complements your literary escape? August 15th is National Lemon Meringue Pie Day, which in my opinion is all the excuse needed to sample this classic dessert. Join me in a delightful interlude as we explore the charming history of lemon meringue pie. Afterwards, whip up the vintage-inspired recipe at the end of this post.
Imagine yourself in a quaint kitchen on a ranch or homestead in the late 19th century. The aroma of freshly baked lemon meringue pie mingles with the scent of the prairie wafting through the open window.
Wait, lemons? How, you ask, did pioneers come by lemons?
It’s true that lemons were harder to get then, but this prized fruit did make its way across trade routes to America. Established towns and trading posts supplied from larger cities or port towns carried them. In the late 19th century, local growers in the warm climates of places like California and Florida provided lemons also. A vintage cookbook I use lists “southern lemons” as an ingredient of some recipes.
Settlers in warm states might plant their own lemon trees, and then barter them for other supplies. Human ingenuity stepped in as well. Pioneer cooks didn’t shrink from substituting dried lemon peel or lemon extract for fresh lemons in their recipes.
Origins of Lemon Meringue Pie
The history of lemon meringue pie is as captivating as any historical romance, weaving a tale of culinary evolution and cultural exchange.
This tangy, sweet treat originated with European cooking traditions, where lemon pies were crafted with a delicate balance of tart citrus and rich custard. As settlers ventured to the American frontier, they brought these sophisticated recipes with them. Over time, the pie evolved into the beloved classic we know today, blending Old World techniques with New World ingenuity to create a dessert that continues to charm and delight. The bright lemon filling offers a refreshing contrast to the sweet, airy meringue topping, creating a dessert as captivating as a love story set against the sweeping landscape of the Wild West.
Let’s Celebrate National Lemon Meringue Pie Day
So, as you settle down with your favorite romance novel today, why not treat yourself to a slice of lemon meringue pie? Here’s to sweet moments, delicious pies, and the romances that captivate our hearts—happy National Lemon Meringue Pie Day, and happy reading!
Vintage-Style Lemon Meringue Pie Recipe
While specific recipes from that time can be hard to pin down, traditional methods and ingredients used during the 19th century inspire this one.
Ingredients
For the Pie Crust:
· 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
· ¼ teaspoon salt
· ½ cup lard or shortening
· 3-4 tablespoons cold water
For the Lemon Filling:
· 1 cup granulated sugar
· 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
· 2 tablespoons cornstarch
· 1 ½ cups water
· 3 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
· ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
· 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
· Zest of 1 lemon
For the Meringue Topping:
· 3 large egg whites
· ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
· ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
· 6 tablespoons granulated sugar
Instructions
Prepare the Pie Crust:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt.
3. Cut in the lard or shortening with a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Gradually add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together.
5. Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
6. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to fit a 9-inch pie plate. Transfer the dough to the plate, trim the edges, and crimp them as desired.
7. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
Prepare the Lemon Filling:
1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, flour, and cornstarch.
2. Gradually add the water, whisking to combine. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the beaten egg yolks. Return to the heat and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
4. Remove from heat again and stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and butter until smooth.
5. Pour the lemon filling into the pre-baked pie crust and smooth the top.
Prepare the Meringue Topping:
1. In a clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer on medium speed until foamy.
2. Add the cream of tartar and vanilla extract, then continue to beat until soft peaks form.
3. Gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, beating until stiff, glossy peaks form.
4. Spread the meringue over the lemon filling, making sure to seal the edges well to prevent it from shrinking.
Bake and Serve:
1. Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the meringue is golden brown.
2. Allow the pie to cool completely before serving. This helps the filling set properly.
Do you have fond memories of pies made with loving hands? Share your memories to inspire others in the comments.
Janalyn Voigt fell in love with literature at an early age when her father read chapters from classics to her as bedtime stories. After Janalyn grew older, she put herself to sleep with stories of her own. She considers this her earliest training in writing. Janalyn is an alumni of Christian Writers Guild. Her memberships include American Christian Fiction Writers, and Northwest Christian Writers. She is represented by Wordserve Literary.
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1. Hills of Nevermore – Can a young widow hide her secret shame from the Irish preacher bent on protecting her?
2. Cheyenne Sunrise – After her wagon journey goes terribly wrong, a woman disillusioned in men must rely on a half-Cheyenne trail guide.
3. Stagecoach to Liberty – A young Hessian girl must decide to trust a handsome Irish stranger or remain with her alarming companions.
4. The Forever Sky – Can a young widow with no faith in love hope for a future with the man who broke her heart?
5. The Promise Tree – A preacher’s daughter shouldn’t encourage a troublemaker’s advances—no matter what she promised him.
6. The Whispering Wind – A beautiful woman can have her pick of suitors but never the man she wants.
