The summer of the PiE

 Pie 1- Lemon Meringue

This is the summer I will learn how to make pie.  Today I got Norma's "easy" pie crust recipe.   It didn't go very well the first try..........

I thought I did everything right, but the dough literally crumbled.  Hmmmm?   I figured it had to be the shortening since it had been in our cabinet for quite some time.  I can't really remember the last time I made something with Shortening.  So, I walked up to the Whole Foods and replaced it with brand new shortening.   The next go round was perfect and I made a double batch and froze half for later.   The lemon curd was easy and super tart.   It was the meringue I was terrified of.
 I don't have a hand mixer, so I whipped it by hand.  Oh My God.  I whipped it for about 20 minutes and now have cramps up my right arm and into my shoulder.  It turned out perfect.  I have to admit for my first real pie from scratch, it was delish.  We ate half of it after dinner and gave some to our neighbors and there is still at least three pieces left.  Yum.
Next on the list has to be a strawberry rhubarb concoction since the strawberries will be here.

Putting on the meringue is fun.

Finished product.

Just look at those meringue peaks!

I tried to make the caramel icing that was gramma shaffer's specialty, but it just wasn't happening.  So I will let Steve take that on.  I will try to do a little tribute to the greatest pie maker ever.    Eloise.