Everyone enjoys indulging in something new and delicious. When that involves a perfect blend of tart and sweet, the enjoyment is doubled. The flavor of lemon has always provided people with freshness and joy. Lemon-based items like lemonade, lemon chutney, lemon cake, or lemon ice cream appeal to everyone. In this series comes a very popular and delectable dessert: Lemon Meringue Pie.
August 15th is celebrated as National Lemon Meringue Pie Day. This day is especially for those who want to savor this sweet and tart pie or try their hand at the art of making it.
Lemon Meringue Pie: A Symphony of Flavors
Lemon Meringue Pie is not just a pie; it's an entire taste experience. Its crispy base, sweet and tart lemon custard, and light, fluffy meringue topping make it special among all pies. This pie is very popular in Britain and America and is prominently enjoyed along with apple pie, pumpkin pie, and pecan pie. The special thing about this pie is that its taste appeals to people of all ages. Whether children or adults, everyone enjoys its sweet and tart combination.
How to Celebrate National Lemon Meringue Pie Day
1. Enjoy the Pie
The easiest and most fun way to celebrate this day is to eat a delicious Lemon Meringue Pie. You can buy it from a local bakery or make it at home and share it with family and friends. Sharing pie in the office can also be a fun and sweet experience.
2. Learn Interesting Facts About Pie
By learning some fun facts about the history of pie and lemons, you can impress friends and family as well.
- Lemon custard is believed to have been invented by the Quaker community in the 1700s.
- Lemons are very high in Vitamin C, which protects against diseases like scurvy.
- Lemon trees bear fruit year-round in warm climates, and one tree can produce approximately 500-600 lemons annually.
3. Make Pie at Home
If you enjoy cooking, this day is special for you. Making pie at home is not difficult. The secret to successful pie making lies in well-whisked egg whites and lemon zest.
Recipe for Making Lemon Meringue Pie at Home
Ingredients:
- 1 cup white sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1½ cups water
- 2 lemons (juice and zest)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 egg yolks, beaten
- 1 (9 inch) pie crust, baked
- 4 egg whites
- 6 tablespoons white sugar
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F).
- In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, flour, cornstarch, and salt. Add water, lemon juice, and zest. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly until boiling. Stir in butter.
- Gradually stir a small amount of the hot sugar mixture into the beaten egg yolks. Then, pour the yolk mixture back into the remaining sugar mixture, and cook until thickened.
- Pour the prepared custard into the baked pie crust.
- In a clean, dry bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar, beating until stiff, glossy peaks form. Spread meringue over the pie, sealing it to the edges of the crust.
- Bake the pie for 10 minutes, or until the meringue is golden brown.
Caution: Only cut the pie after it has cooled completely; otherwise, the meringue and custard will not taste as good.
History of Lemon Meringue Pie
The history of lemon custard and pies dates back to medieval times. However, meringue was invented in 17th-century France. But the combination of lemon custard and meringue occurred in the 19th century.
Many believe that Lemon Meringue Pie originated in Victorian England, where it was sometimes called Lemon Chester Pudding. Others associate it with Mrs. Elizabeth Goodfellow of Philadelphia, who ran America's first cooking school. The first mention of this pie in a cookbook was in 1869. At that time, it was sometimes called 'Lemon Cream Pie' as well.
National Lemon Meringue Pie Day is not just a celebration of a dessert; it is a celebration of freshness, flavor, and joy. Making or eating pie on this day makes the time spent with family and friends special. The combination of lemon's tartness and meringue's sweetness captivates everyone. This day gives us the opportunity to enjoy small pleasures and create delicious memories.
