Introduction:
Lemon meringue pie is a classic dessert that combines the tangy and refreshing flavors of lemon with the light and fluffy sweetness of meringue. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore a recipe for Grandma’s lemon meringue pie with a twist: incorporating CBD (cannabidiol) into the recipe. CBD is a non-intoxicating compound derived from the hemp plant, known for its potential health benefits. This recipe brings together the traditional flavors of lemon meringue pie with the potential wellness properties of CBD. Get ready to savor each luscious and tart bite of this nostalgic dessert!
Table of Contents
- Ingredients
- Equipment
- Preparing the CBD-infused Lemon Meringue Pie Filling
- Making the Pie Crust
- Assembling and Baking the Lemon Meringue Pie
- Cooling, Serving, and Storing
- Conclusion
- Ingredients:
- For the Pie Filling:
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon CBD-infused oil (make sure it’s food-grade and free of THC)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the Meringue Topping
- 4 large egg whites
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
For the Pie Crust
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 4-6 tablespoons ice water
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Saucepan
- Rubber spatula
- Pie dish
- Rolling pin
- Fork
- Parchment paper
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Pastry brush
Preparing the CBD-infused Lemon Meringue Pie Filling
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt until well combined.
- Gradually whisk in the water until smooth, then place the saucepan over medium heat.
- Cook the mixture, stirring constantly with a rubber spatula, until it thickens and comes to a boil. Boil for 1 minute, continuing to stir.
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Gradually whisk in about half of the hot sugar mixture to temper the yolks.
- Pour the tempered yolks back into the saucepan with the remaining sugar mixture, whisking constantly.
- Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and comes to a boil again.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, CBD-infused oil, and butter until the butter has melted and the filling is smooth and well combined. Set aside.
Making the Pie Crust
- In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt.
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture.
- Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, while stirring the mixture with a fork.
- Continue adding water and stirring until the dough comes together and can be formed into a ball.
- Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic
wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Assembling and Baking the Lemon Meringue Pie
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled pie dough into a circle large enough to fit your pie dish.
- Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to the pie dish, gently pressing it into the bottom and sides of the dish. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges for a decorative finish.
- Line the pie crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans to prevent the crust from puffing up during baking.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Remove the parchment paper and pie weights, and return the crust to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to ensure the bottom is cooked.
- Once baked, remove the crust from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Pour the prepared CBD-infused lemon filling into the cooled pie crust, spreading it evenly.
- In a clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites on medium-high speed until foamy.
- Add the cream of tartar and continue beating until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add the granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while beating on high speed. Continue beating until stiff, glossy peaks form.
- Spoon the meringue over the lemon filling, starting from the edges and working your way toward the center. This will help seal the edges and prevent the meringue from shrinking.
- Create decorative peaks on the meringue using the back of a spoon or a spatula.
- Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the meringue is golden brown.
Cooling, Serving, and Storing
- Remove the lemon meringue pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
- Once cooled, refrigerate the pie for at least 2 hours before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together and the filling to set.
- Serve chilled slices of CBD-infused lemon meringue pie on their own or with a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.
- Store any leftover pie in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to 3 days.
Conclusion
By incorporating CBD into Grandma’s lemon meringue pie, you can elevate this timeless dessert with the potential wellness benefits of CBD. This comprehensive guide has provided you with step-by-step instructions to create a luscious lemon filling, a flaky pie crust, and a beautifully golden meringue topping. Remember to use food-grade CBD oil that is free of THC and to enjoy the pie responsibly. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, this CBD-infused lemon meringue pie is sure to impress with its tangy flavors and potential relaxation. So, gather your ingredients, follow the instructions, and indulge in each delightful bite of this nostalgic and CBD-infused dessert. Enjoy!
Anastasia Filipenko is a health and wellness psychologist, dermatolist and a freelance writer. She frequently covers beauty and skincare, food trends and nutrition, health and fitness and relationships. When she’s not trying out new skincare products, you’ll find her taking a cycling class, doing yoga, reading in the park, or trying a new recipe.