Lemon Custard in Meringue Cups

Name: Lemon Custard in Meringue Cups
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings.
Ingredients: MERINGUE:; 3 large eggs, separated, room temperature; 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar; 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon salt, divided; 2 cups sugar, divided; CUSTARD:; 1/3 cup cornstarch; 1-1/2 cups cold water; 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest; 6 tablespoons lemon juice; 2 tablespoons butter; Sweetened whipped cream

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 15 min. Bake: 35 min. + standing YIELD: 8 servings.

My husband loves lemon meringue pie. This variation is a favorite of his. I like it, too...it's very easy to make but looks very elegant. I've served it at every occasion from a formal dinner party to just a casual get-together. Ever since I was a young girl, making desserts has been a favorite hobby. Over the years, I've filled two binders with recipes for them!

Ingredients

MERINGUE:
3 large eggs, separated, room temperature
1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt, divided
2 cups sugar, divided
CUSTARD:
1/3 cup cornstarch
1-1/2 cups cold water
1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
6 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons butter
Sweetened whipped cream

Directions

1. For meringue, in a large bowl, beat the egg whites, vinegar, vanilla and 1/8 teaspoon salt on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in 1 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, on high until stiff glossy peaks form and sugar is dissolved.
2. Line baking sheet with parchment. Spoon egg white mixture into 8 mounds on paper. Shape into cups with a spoon.
3. Bake at 300° for 35 minutes. Turn oven off and leave door closed; let shells dry in oven at least 1 hour. Remove shells from paper. When thoroughly cooled, store in an airtight container.
4. For custard, in a small saucepan, combine the cornstarch and remaining sugar and salt. Stir in water 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.
5. Beat egg yolks. Stir a small amount of hot mixture into egg yolks; return all to pan, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle boil; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Remove from the heat; gently stir in the lemon juice, zest and butter. Cool to room temperature without stirring. Chill.
6. Just before serving, fill meringue shells with custard and top with whipped cream.

Nutrition Facts

1 each: 270 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 87mg cholesterol, 127mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (49g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.