Jun.

7

Casa Marcela

There’s something about MARCELA VALLADOLID that’s truly endearing and welcoming. The Food  Network star has just released her third and, I believe, her best cookbook celebrating her life and family in California. It’s the perfect mix of recipes inspired by her Mexican-American heritage and So Cal lifestyle. One of my favorite recipes from CASA MARCELA is this delicious lemon meringue pie that makes a perfect ending to any summer lunch or dinner.

LEMON MERINGUE PIE

Serves 12

Crust
1 package Maria crackers
1/3 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
¼ cup sugar
Pinch of salt

Filling
1 cup granulated sugar
5 tablespoons cornstarch
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup water
½ cup whole milk
4 large egg yolks (save the whites for the meringue)
2 teaspoons freshly grated lemon zest
½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 teaspoons good-quality reposado tequila

Meringue
6 large egg whites
½ teaspoon cream of tartar
Pinch of Salt
1 cup sugar

Preheat the oven to 350F.

Spray a 12-inch tart pan with a removable bottom with nonstick cooking spray. For the crust, pulse the Maria crackers, butter, sugar, and salt in a food processor until combined. Firmly press the crumb mixture into the prepared tart pan, making sure to come up the sides. Bake for 10 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool completely on a wire rack.

In a heavy saucepan over medium-high heat, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch and salt. Add the water and milk and continue to whisk until the cornstarch is dissolved. Cook, whisking continuously, until the mixture slightly thickens to a custard like texture. Whisk the egg yolks in a medium bowl and gradually add to the pan. Continue to whisk until combined, and then remove from the heat. Whisk in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and butter. Add the tequila and stir to combine.

Cover the filling with plastic wrap and set aside.

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the egg whites, cream of tartar, and salt on high speed until soft peaks form, about 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to a pastry bag fitted with a star tip.

Pour the lemon filling into the cooled tart shell and spread to the edges. Pipe peaked dollops of meringue in concentric circles over the filling. Transfer to the oven and bake for about 15 minutes, until the meringue peaks turn light brown.

Let cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Chill the tart until completely set, about 1 hour, before serving.

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