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Lemon Heaven Meringue Squares

Source of Recipe


From "More Healthy Homestyle Cooking"



List of Ingredients



• -- Crust --
  
• 1-1/3 cups graham cracker crumbs
  
• 2 Tbsp sugar
  
• 1/3 cup light butter, melted
  
• .
  
• -- Filling --
  
• 1¼ cups sugar
  
• ½ cup cornstarch
  
• 1-2/3 cups water
  
• 2 egg yolks
  
• 4 lemons
  
• .
  
• -- Meringue --
  
• 4 egg whites
  
• ½ tsp cream of tartar
  
• ½ cup sugar
  






Instructions



1. To make the crust:
   Preheat the oven to 350° F. Lightly coat a 13- x 9-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. In a large bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Using a fork, work in the butter. With your hands, lightly press the crumb mixture onto the bottom of the baking dish.
   
   
2. To make the filling:
   In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and cornstarch. Stir until no lumps remain. Gradually stir in the water until smooth. Cook, stirring, over medium-high heat, for 3 minutes, or until boiling. Remove from the heat. Place the egg yolks in a small bowl and whisk in about ½ cup of the hot sugar syrup, 1 tablespoon at a time. Return to the pan. Cook, stirring over medium heat, for 1 to 2 minutes, or until thick and bubbly. Remove from the heat.
   
   
3. Grate the outer peel (but not the inner white part) of two of the lemons to make 2 tablespoons lemon peel. Add to the filling. Roll all 4 lemons on a countertop, cut them in half, and squeeze to make ½ cup lemon juice. Stir into the filling. Pour the filling over the prepared crust.
   
   
4. To make the meringue:
   In a large bowl, using an electric mixer set on high speed, beat the egg whites until foamy. Add the cream of tartar and beat until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in the sugar and continue beating until stiff, shiny peaks form. Spread the meringue over the warm filling to the edges.
   
   
5. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the meringue is golden brown. Cool on a rack for 1 hour. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour before serving. Cut into squares.
   
   Makes 12 squares.
   
   
   Per Square:
   199 calories; 3 grams protein; 38 grams carbohydrates; 5 grams fat; 1 gram saturated fat; 42 mg cholesterol; 134 mg sodium; 1 gram fiber