Lovely Lemon Merinques Recipe

Meringues
6 egg whites
¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon cider vinegar

Filling
6 egg yolks
Grated zest and juice of 1 medium lemon
1 cup sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 cups whipping cream
Fresh berries, optional

1. Grease a 13 x 9-inch glass baking dish.
2. To prepare the meringues, place the egg whites in a medium bowl; beat with a mixer at high speed until stiff peaks forms. Add the cream of tartar and gradually add 1 cup of the sugar, beating constantly. Add the vinegar and gradually add the remaining 1 cup sugar.
3. Spoon into the prepared pan. Place in the oven and heat to 300 degrees F. Do not preheat the oven. Bake 1 hour. Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack.
4. To prepare the filling, combine the egg yolks, lemon juice, 1 cup sugar, and cornstarch in a medium saucepan. Whisk until well blended and place over medium heat. Cook until thickened, stirring frequently. Remove from the heat, stir in the grated lemon zest and cool completely.
5. Pour the whipping cream into a medium bowl; beat with a mixer at high speed until stiff peaks form. Fold into the cooled egg yolk mixture.
6. To assemble, spoon the whipped cream mixture on top of the cooled meringue. Spread evenly. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate 24 hours. Cut into squares to serve. Serve with fresh berries, if desired.

Serves 16.

Tips From Our Test Kitchen: If the sides of the meringue are too high, press down slightly with the back of a spoon. Store the meringues in the refrigerator up to 4 days, if desired.