Lemon Pie. Mrs. Susie B. De Wolfe. Recipe

Lemon pie is a classic dessert that has been enjoyed for many generations. Its tangy and refreshing flavor makes it a popular choice during the warmer months or whenever a burst of citrusy goodness is desired. Today, I will share with you a traditional recipe for Lemon Pie, inspired by the culinary expertise of Mrs. Susie B. De Wolfe.

Before we dive into the recipe, let's talk a bit about the history of lemon pies. Lemon-based desserts have been enjoyed since ancient times, but the modern version of lemon pie as we know it today originated in the United States in the 19th century. The combination of zesty lemon filling and flaky pastry has captured the hearts of dessert lovers ever since.

Now, let's get started with the recipe.

Ingredients:
- 2 lemons
- 2 ½ cups of boiling water
- 3 cups of sugar
- ½ cup of flour
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- Pastry for the pie crust
- 3 egg whites
- Sugar for meringue topping

Instructions:

1. Begin by grating the rind of the lemons using a fine grater and set it aside. Then, squeeze out the juice from the lemons and reserve it.

2. In a saucepan, combine the lemon juice, grated lemon rind, boiling water, sugar, flour, egg yolks, and butter. Stir the mixture together until well combined.

3. Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook the lemon mixture, stirring constantly, until it thickens and becomes clear. This should take around 10-15 minutes. Make sure to keep a close eye on it to prevent scorching.

4. While the lemon filling is cooking, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your pie pan by lining it with the pastry for the crust. You can use store-bought or homemade pastry for this step.

5. Once the lemon filling has thickened, pour it into the prepared pie pan and smooth the top with a spoon or spatula.

6. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with a little sugar until they form stiff peaks. This will create a fluffy meringue topping for the pie.

7. Spread the meringue over the top of the lemon filling, making sure to cover it completely. You can create decorative peaks with the back of a spoon for an attractive presentation.

8. Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the meringue is lightly browned.

9. Once done, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and create the perfect texture.

Now that your delicious lemon pie is ready, you can enjoy it as is or serve it with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.

Fun fact: Lemon pies became especially popular during the Great Depression, as lemons were relatively inexpensive and provided a refreshing burst of flavor in otherwise modest pies.

If you're looking for other similar recipe ideas, you might consider trying out other citrus-based pies such as Key Lime Pie or Orange Cream Pie. These pies share a similar tartness and creaminess, offering a delightful twist on the classic lemon pie.

So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and enjoy this delicious homemade Lemon Pie. It's the perfect dessert to brighten up any day and is sure to bring smiles to the faces of all who taste it.