Light Lemon Angel Pie

Steps

• 1

  Heat oven to 250°F. Generously butter 9-inch pie pan. In large bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until frothy. Gradually add 3/4 cup sugar 2 tablespoons at a time, beating at high speed until sugar is dissolved and stiff glossy peaks form, about 8 to 10 minutes. DO NOT UNDERBEAT. Spread meringue evenly over bottom and up sides of buttered pan.
• 2

  Bake at 250°F. for 1 hour. Turn oven off; let meringue crust cool in oven with door closed for 2 hours.
• 3

  Meanwhile, in medium saucepan, combine 1 cup sugar and cornstarch; mix well. Gradually stir in lemon juice until smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture boils; boil 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. In small bowl, beat egg yolks; stir about 2 tablespoons hot mixture into egg yolks. Gradually stir yolk mixture into hot mixture. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture boils. Boil 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; stir in lemon peel and food color. Cover surface of filling with plastic wrap. Cool 45 minutes or until completely cooled.
• 4

  Fold whipped topping into filling. Pour into cooled meringue crust. Refrigerate at least 3 hours or overnight. If desired, garnish with thin lemon slices or grated lemon peel.