Old Fashioned Lemon Pie

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Step 2

To make lemon filling: In a double boiler, combine cornstarch, sugar, and salt. Stir in water, mixing well. Cook until mixture is thickened, stirring frequently. Remove from heat.

Step 3

Place egg yolks in a medium bowl and beat well. Slowly pour 1/2 cup of cornstarch mixture into egg yolks, whisking constantly.

Step 4

Pour egg yolk mixture back into cornstarch mixture in the double boiler, continuing to constantly whisk. Return the double boiler to heat and cook mixture 2 minutes longer, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.

Step 5

Stir butter or margarine, lemon juice, and lemon zest into thickened mixture. Allow mixture to cool, then pour into pie shell.

Step 6

To make meringue: In a large metal or glass mixing bowl, beat egg whites until foamy. Add 6 tablespoons sugar a little at a time, continuing to beat until all sugar is incorporated and whites are stiff. Spread meringue into pie shell, making sure to completely cover lemon filling.

Step 7

Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes, just until meringue is golden brown. Chill before serving.