Lemon meringue pie recipe

The word ‘dessert’ is derived from the old French word ‘desservir’ and has been interpreted as the use of sweet dishes to signify the end of a meal and a time for people to leave the table.

Makes 1

I N G R E D I E N T S

M E T H O D

For the pastry case

Rub the margarine, lard and flour together to form a breadcrumb-like consistency. Add the iced water to bind the pastry together and chill for a few hours.

On a lightly dusted surface roll the pastry big enough to line a 10-inch cake tin. Bake blind with rice and baking beans for 20 minutes at 200 degrees.

Filling

Mix the cornflour and sugar in a heavy-based saucepan. Add the water and lemon zest and heat until thick, stirring all the time to avoid it catching the bottom of the pan.

Add the lemon juice, eggs and butter and mix well. Pour into the baked pastry case and start preparing the topping.