Ingredients
Method
Make the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, chilled butter, sugar, and salt. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and ice water. Gradually add to the flour mixture, stirring until a dough forms. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into circles and press into a greased mini muffin tin, forming little tart shells.
- Prick bases with a fork and bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
Prepare the Lemon Filling:
- In a saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually stir in water.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil. Remove from heat.
- Slowly stir about 1 cup of the hot mixture into the beaten egg yolks, whisking continuously to temper them. Then pour the mixture back into the saucepan.
- Return to heat and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat. Stir in lemon juice, zest, and butter until smooth.
- Pour the lemon filling into the cooled tart shells, filling them about 3/4 full.
Make the Meringue:
- In a large bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar on medium speed until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add sugar, beating until stiff peaks form and the mixture is glossy.
- Spoon or pipe the meringue over the lemon filling, spreading it to the edges of each tart to seal.
Bake the Pies:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the meringue is golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool.
Serve:
- Once cooled, gently remove the mini pies from the muffin tin. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve. Enjoy your delightful mini lemon meringue pies!
Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 12 mini pies
