This thread seems to be light on desserts, so here is the best pie I have ever had:
Old-Time Chocolate Meringue Pie (from "Sweety Pies" book)
Ingredients:
One nine-inch pie crust
Filling:
3 large egg yolks
1/2 stick unsalted butter melted
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (dutch process is best if you can get it)
1 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup water
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Meringue:
3 large egg whites
1/4 tsp. cream of tartar
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 cup sugar
Pre-bake pie 9" crust (425 F - 8 to 10 min.), cool
Make the filling:
Beat eggs yolks, set aside
Heat the butter in medium-size saucepan low heat until it melts.
Add cocoa, condensed milk and water, stirring constantly with spoon or wire whisk until smooth.
Stir in the egg yolks and vanilla and cook until thickened and smooth (medium heat, 'till it just begins to boil).
Remove from heat, beat out any lumps that may have formed, pour into pie crust.
Make the meringue:
Combine the egg whites, cream of tartar and vanilla in medium bowl and beat with electric mixer 'till soft peaks form.
Add the sugar one tablespoon at a time and continue beating 'till stiff peaks form and sugar is dissolved.
Mound in center of pie, then spread around the edge of the crust, sealing meringue to the crust. Bake (350 F) until meringue is golden, 8 to 10 minutes.
Let cool completely on a wire rack.
Best intense deep chocolate pie, ever. Would also be fine with whipped cream instead of meringue.
