Published: July 10, 2006 03:57 pm      

Magic Lemon Pie

Created in the early 1900s, this pie was touted as “magic.” Adding lemon juice to sweetened condensed milk creates a rich, creamy filling, without cooking, that is easy to make, delicious every time and never fails, even for first-time bakers.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Makes one (8- or 9-inch) pie

1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condense milk

(NOT evaporated milk)

1/2 cup lemon juice

1 teaspoon grated lemon rind or

1/4 teaspoon lemon extract

2 eggs, separated

1 (8- or 9-inch) graham cracker or

baked pie crust

1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

4 tablespoons sugar

1. Preheat oven to 325°F. In medium bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, lemon rind or extract and egg yolks; stir until mixture thickens. Pour into chilled graham cracker crust or cooled pie crust.

2. In medium bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar on high speed until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in sugar on medium speed,

1 tablespoon at a time; beat 4 minutes longer or until sugar is dissolved and stiff glossy peaks form.

3. Spread meringue over pie, carefully sealing

to edge of crust to prevent meringue from shrinking. Bake 12 to 15 minutes or until meringue is lightly browned. Cool. Store leftovers covered in refrigerator.