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Meyer Lemon Custard Cream Pie





Yields
Makes 8 servings




Total Time
40 mins

The Meyer lemon–thought to be a cross between a lemon and an orange–is growing in favor with home cooks and gardeners. Commercial growers around San Diego and in California’s San Joaquin Valley are increasing production, and specialty produce purveyors are more willing to carry the thin-skinned, somewhat perishable lemon. (Chilled, it keeps a few weeks.)

 10 (about 2 1/3 lb.) Meyer lemons
 1/3 cup cornstarch
 1 cup sugar
 3 large eggs
 1 cup whipping cream
  Baked, cooled 9-inch pastry shell (if purchasing, use a deep-dish crust)
Step 1
1

Grate 2 teaspoons peel from lemons. With a zester or Asian shredder, make a few long, slender strands of peel from Meyer or regular lemons; set aside. Ream 1 1/3 cups juice from the lemons.

Step 2
2

In the top of a double boiler, mix cornstarch and sugar. Stir in juice and grated peel. Fill bottom of double boiler with 1 inch water. Place pans over high heat and bring water to a simmer; adjust heat to maintain simmer. Stir until mixture is thick and shiny, 8 to 9 minutes. In a bowl, whisk eggs to blend. Whisk in about 1/2 cup lemon mixture, then return all to pan. Stir until mixture is very thick and reaches 160° on an instant-read thermometer, about 5 minutes.

Step 3
3

Remove top pan. Place in a bowl of ice and stir often until mixture is cool to touch, about 6 minutes.

Step 4
4

In a bowl, beat cream with a mixer until stiff. Fold in lemon mixture, then spread evenly in pastry shell. Scatter reserved strands of peel on top. Chill, uncovered, until slightly firm to touch, about 2 hours. Serve, or wrap airtight and chill up to 1 day.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 0


Amount Per Serving
Calories 361Calories from Fat 47
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 19g30%

Saturated Fat 8.3g42%
Cholesterol 113mg38%
Sodium 157mg7%
Total Carbohydrate 45g15%

Dietary Fiber 0.4g2%
Protein 4.6g10%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.