Meyer Lemon Pie With Whole Meyer Lemons Champagne Tastes

Shaker Lemon Pie Imperial Sugar Recipe Shaker lemon pie, Lemon

Cover Shaker Lemon Pie Imperial Sugar Recipe Shaker lemon pie, Lemon (600x900)

Table of Contents

1. What is Shaker Lemon Pie?
2. What are the ingredients?
3. How to make Shaker Lemon Pie?
4. What is a Meyer Lemon?
5. Can I use regular lemons instead of Meyer lemons?

What is Shaker Lemon Pie?

Shaker Lemon Pie is a traditional American dessert that originated from the Shaker community in the 19th century. It is a unique pie that features a filling made from thinly sliced lemons, including the rind, which gives it a tart and slightly bitter flavor. The pie is known for its simplicity and distinctive taste, making it a favorite among lemon lovers.

The Shakers, a religious sect known for their simple and practical lifestyle, developed this pie as a way to use the abundant lemons from their orchards. They believed in wasting as little as possible, so they came up with the idea of using the whole lemon, including the peel, to create a delicious and resourceful dessert.

What are the ingredients?

To make a Shaker Lemon Pie, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 whole lemons (preferably Meyer lemons)
• 2 cups of sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter, melted
• 1 prepared pie crust

These ingredients are simple and easily accessible, making it convenient for anyone to try their hand at making this delightful pie.

How to make Shaker Lemon Pie?

Now that you have gathered all the necessary ingredients, let's dive into the step-by-step process of making a delicious Shaker Lemon Pie:

1. Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Wash the lemons thoroughly to remove any dirt or wax. Pat them dry with a clean towel.
3. Using a sharp knife or a mandoline, thinly slice the lemons, including the rind. Remove any seeds you come across.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced lemons and sugar. Stir well to ensure that the sugar coats every slice.
5. Let the lemon and sugar mixture sit for about an hour to allow the sugar to draw out the juice from the lemons.
6. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until well combined. Add the salt, flour, and melted butter to the beaten eggs and mix thoroughly.
7. Once the lemon and sugar mixture has sat for an hour, pour it into the egg mixture. Stir until everything is well combined.
8. Take your prepared pie crust and place it in a pie dish. Trim any excess crust hanging over the edge.
9. Pour the lemon filling into the pie crust and spread it evenly.
10. Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes.
11. After 15 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
12. Once the pie is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely before serving.

Now you have successfully made a delicious Shaker Lemon Pie! The combination of tart lemons and sweet sugar creates a perfect balance of flavors that will leave you craving for more.

What is a Meyer Lemon?

Meyer lemons are a type of citrus fruit that originated in China and were introduced to the United States in the early 20th century. They are believed to be a cross between a lemon and a mandarin or orange, resulting in a fruit with a sweeter and less acidic flavor compared to regular lemons.

Meyer lemons have thin, smooth skin that is deep yellow to orange in color when fully ripe. They are smaller and rounder than traditional lemons, with a fragrant aroma that sets them apart. The flesh of Meyer lemons is a vibrant yellow-orange and is incredibly juicy.

These lemons have gained popularity among chefs and home cooks alike for their unique flavor profile, which combines the tartness of a lemon with the sweetness of a mandarin. They are often used in both savory and sweet dishes, including desserts like Shaker Lemon Pie.

Can I use regular lemons instead of Meyer lemons?

Yes, you can definitely use regular lemons instead of Meyer lemons in a Shaker Lemon Pie. While Meyer lemons have a sweeter flavor, regular lemons will still provide the necessary tartness and acidity that makes this pie so distinctive.

If you choose to use regular lemons, it is important to note that their rinds may be thicker and more bitter compared to Meyer lemons. To counteract the bitterness, you can soak the sliced lemons in water for about 30 minutes before combining them with the sugar. This will help reduce the bitterness and make the pie more enjoyable to eat.

Regardless of whether you use Meyer lemons or regular lemons, the essence of a Shaker Lemon Pie will still shine through. It is a delightful dessert that celebrates the simplicity of ingredients and the natural flavors of lemons.

Conclusion

Shaker Lemon Pie is a classic American dessert that has stood the test of time. Its unique combination of thinly sliced lemons and a simple yet flavorful filling has made it a favorite among lemon lovers. Whether you use Meyer lemons or regular lemons, the pie is sure to delight your taste buds with its tangy and slightly bitter flavor.

With just a handful of ingredients and a straightforward baking process, Shaker Lemon Pie is a dessert that anyone can make. So why not give it a try and indulge in a slice of this delicious pie? Your family and friends will surely be impressed by your culinary skills!