Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Lemons Imposible to Eat ~ Not So!



"Lemon tree very pretty and the lemon flower is sweet

But the fruit of the poor lemon is impossible to eat."




Not so Peter, Paul, and Mary.  

You haven't tried my lemon meringue pie.







Sharing a Favorite Recipe for Lemon Meringue Pie 
Adapted from JOY OF COOKING, Scribner, 1997

Whisk thoroughly in a medium saucepan:
1 1/4 cups sugar
1/3 cup cornstarch
1/8 teaspoon salt
Whisk in, blending well:
1 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup strained fresh lemon juice from two to three lemons
2 to 3 teaspoons grated lemon zest
Whisk in until no yellow streaks remain:
4 large egg yolks
Add:
2 to 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula, bring the mixture to a simmer over medium hear, then cook for 1 minute.  The filling should be very thick. Pour the filling into baked pie crust and press a sheet of plastic wrap directly on the surface.

Immediately prepare a meringue topping using at least 4 large egg whites at room temperature.  Beat till soft peaks form, then add in 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar.  Gradually beat in 1/2 cup of superfine sugar.  Beat on highest speed until the peaks are stiff and glossy.  Then beat in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla.

Remove the plastic wrap, spread the meringue over the filling.  Anchor the meringue to the edge of the crust.  Bake for 20 minutes at 325°.




Lemon desserts are the 

perfect choice for hot summer days.




Use the above recipe to 

make individual lemon tartlets.





You can top them with berries instead 

of the meringue for a bit of summer color.




Or fill pâte á choux puffs 

for a tasty lemon cream puff.




Then sit back with a cool drink 

and enjoy the fruits of a lemon tree.




So when you find yourself 

with a bowl of fresh lemons or limes . . .




Make a pie!





If you like a "mile high" meringue 

like I to, double the egg whites.

  


I also like to use pretty vintage 

hankies for napkins when serving dessert.  

It adds variety and interest 

when you toss in something vintage.

And if you "want to dish",  look how perfect they are with 

MacKenzie-Childs' ceramics!

Joining 





Sarah
Sarah

The summer we married, my husband was in graduate school, and I was employed as a teacher. We took a portion of our savings that summer and purchased a sailboat. We christened our Catalina 22, “Hyacinths For The Soul” after Saadi’s poem. Our "Hyacinths" provided years of pleasure.

96 comments:

  1. Those Lemon desserts look so good! I don't bake much but do enjoy a good lemon pie!! hugs, Linda

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  2. Oh my mouth is watering. Those lemon desserts look so wonderful and delicious. Great photography by the way.

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  3. I love both your delicious pie and the beautiful dishes. My grandmother got me hooked on lemon tartlets:-)

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  4. Hi Sarah!

    All the tarts and pie look so yummy and I bet you company is just as sweet!

    I also noticed your lovely MacKenzie-Childs dishes... and are those MacKenzie-Childs stemware next to the lemon and lime bowl?

    Everything is so lovely, Sarah! Thanks for sharing at my party :)

    xoxo Bunny Jean
    Wednesdays Bunny Hop Party!

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  5. Looking yummy over here!! We get plenty of lemons here in AZ...

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  6. Your little table:) perfect pics :)

    I have that sweet song in my head now:)
    You have such pretty things:)

    Citron..si bon to me.

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  7. Your mile-high lemon meringue pie looks delicious Sarah! What a beautiful setting to enjoy those wonderful little tartlets and sip on lemonade too! I love the idea of serving dessert with a little hankie~ it makes me wish I had my grandmothers collection! Hope you're staying cool :)

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  8. Hi Sarah,
    you made my mouth watering with this delicious cake. Yummmmmm, I love lemons from the plant to the cake.
    Best greetings, Johanna

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  9. My mouth is watering too, Sarah!
    Wish I had the ingredients to make this for dinner. My cupboards are bare! I feel like Old Mother Hubbard this week. Went east to visit my mother and sister all of last week and STILL have yet to zip to the grocery store!

    Thanks for sharing this gorgeous pie recipe with us.

    xoxox
    Alison

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  10. Boy does that look good and lemon anything in the summer always tastes to refreshing.

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  11. Yes please, I'll have a big ole slice! Your little tartlet looks beautiful with that great swirl too-enjoy:@)

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  12. Sarah, I am now officially starving for a piece of yummy lemmon pie. My Grandmom used to make the best ever. I can still taste it.

    Thanks for all the pretty photos and goodies.

    hugs
    Sissie

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  13. Sarah - What is better than Lemon Meringue Pie on a hot summer's day? It looks especially delicious on your beautiful MacKenzie-Childs. Beautiful photos!

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  14. Oh, my gosh, Sarah!!!! Those desserts are all fabulous! I have only made 2 lemon meringue pies in my lifetime, the most recent about 2 years ago. Let me tell you...the 2nd one was exponentially better than the 1st one from some 40 years ago!!!!! :-) I don't know that it ever looked quite this pretty, though. The meringue is browned to perfection!!! This is like something for a food magazine!!!

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  15. You are making my mouth water, Sarah. The lemon meringue looks so good and especially in your beautiful Mac Kenzie Childs dishes. That's what they are, right?...Christine

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  16. MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

    Wow does all that ever look DELISH!!!!

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  17. Hi Sarah! Oh, we love lemon meringue pie and yours is beautiful and such a pretty meringue too. I have a lemon tree but the fruit isn't ripe until late November or December. My little yellow orbs for Christmas!
    I didn't know that about doubling the egg whites for high meringue. I'll try that next time. I love seeing your pretty MC things.
    thanks for popping in to see me.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  18. Yum, lemon meringue! Haven't made one in many years. I want a bite!
    Brenda

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  19. Use have used lemons in yummy ways, I would love a bite of your pie.

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  20. Sarah, I love anything with lemons. First I love the PPM song, so sweet. Your pretty pewter basket is just perfect for the lemons and the MC pie plate is gorgeous. When I think lemon pie I usually make lemon ice box but this Meringue pie looks delicious I'll have to try it. I sure would love one of your pretty summer treats right now.

    ~Emily
    The French Hutch

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  21. Lemon is my absolute favorite in any dessert, but pie is perfection for me. Yours looks absolutely delicious!
    Yes, please, I'll have one of each!
    Scrumptious.
    Hugs,
    Patti

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  22. oh, you had me at those gorgeous lemons Sarah! lemon pie is one of my all time favorite pies. I have never made one. My grandmother always made them and they were so amazing that I am afraid I will never be able to recapture that taste!

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  23. And I hope you join my party, too. Sarah lemon meringue is my favorite pie for summer and all of your lemony desserts look fabulous.

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  24. I love me a good lemon meringue.. but alas I am a failed baker. Wait, I just don't bake. However, I keep trying. So I think I'll be trying this very soon. Your vintage hankies idea is perfect. xo marlis

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  25. Sarah,
    I am so craving a cream pie...and all your "Lemon" ideas are perfect for Summer! Thanks for sharing this recipe!!!
    Fondly,
    Pat

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  26. Oh Sarah, how I would love a slice of that lemon pie or any of those delectable lemony desserts. I love the idea of using the vintage hankies for napkins! That's so perfect for some whimsical flair. Your Mackenzie-Childs dish is wonderful.

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  27. I too love lemons, but I've never made lemon meringue pie.You make it look so good, I'll have to give it a try.

    - The Tablescaper

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  28. Yum, Sarah! What a beautiful pie! And your setting is so pretty! Thanks for the recipe! Happy week!...hugs...Debbie

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  29. Lemon pie is one of my very favorite and my mama sure could make a good one.
    I will try your recipe....looks delish.

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  30. Oh, Sarah, you're making my mouth water! I love lemon desserts but haven't had one in tooooo long. Your sweet little dessert table setting is perfect, and I like your idea of using a vintage hankie as a dessert napkin. I'll have to do that one day.

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  31. I love lemon meringue pie and yours look sooooo good!

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  32. This is my mother's favorite pie! I will be using this recipe to make it for her very soon! I am all puckered up just looking at all those great desserts! Thanks for joining Tutorial Tips and Tidbits with this yummy post!

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  33. Yummmmm! I love things made with lemon! I always have! Lemon meringue pie is one of my absolute favorites!
    I often chose it for my birthday instead of cake!

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  34. My mouth is watering - the pie looks so delish! And of course, you know what really caught my eye!!!

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  35. I LOVE any dessert that is lemon. It is SO rwfreshing, especially for summer. Love the Makensie Childs plates too. I would have the lemon with the berries:) XO, Pinky

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  36. your share is so wonderful.i love them all.regards.

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  37. Aside from the fact that my mouth is watering from all your delicious lemon desserts, I love your pretty little display. You have a beautiful collection of MacKenzie Childs.

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  38. Sarah, my husband is coming home tonight and lemon meringue is his favorite. I'll be using your recipe adaptation today. Thanks for the idea. Once again your post is informative and a delight to read.

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  39. My mouth is watering with all those wonderful desserts...love the bowl of limes and lemons.

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  40. First off, I'd love to have a friend like you who can bake delicious and beautiful pastries, and top it off on just as pretty a table. Looks like a treat to sit at that table and taste and talk.

    Linda

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  41. I love all your variations on lemon pie, especially the filling topped with fruit. My hubby loves anything lemon and would be very happy with any of these.

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  42. It's been such a long time yes! And you are too sweet! I was very busy with the baby. You have been cooking delicious treats!!
    If you get a chance i would love if you link this to the French party on Monday.
    Hugs
    Isabelle

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  43. Yum! :) I love Lemon pie. :)
    What a pretty setting!

    ~Liz

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  44. Your lemon desserts look wonderful, and your presentation is lovely! I'll take one of each!

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  45. Oh dear, so many options and they all look wonderful!! Thank You so much for sharing with us!

    Thank You for stopping by and I hope you have a wonderful night!

    (hugs)
    Aledia @ Plum Perfect

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  46. Everything looks so delightful especially the lemon meringue pie. Yummy!

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  47. Oh wow, Sara! I am sitting here with Mike and we saw these pics and he drooled. How wonderful! thanks for sharing...I may have to try this recipe.

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  48. Sarah so glad you stopped by and thank you for the prayers. I read many of your post and was so over whelmed by your beautiful posts. The pie is tickling my taste buds. Your bunnies are precious I have many bunnies too. My bathroom actually has bunny border.

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  49. We've always loved lemon flavor in our sweets and your desserts look FABULOUS
    Excellent photos, I can almost taste the pie :)

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  50. Just looking at your lemon scrumptiousness makes my mouth water!

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  51. Sarah, your pie looks lovely! Lemon Meringue Pie is the perfect summertime dessert. I love them! And you have definitely made me regret not buying the Piccadilly Pie Plate at the Barn Sale. *sadface* But there is always next year! ;P

    Love seeing some of your vintage patterns in this post, too! I really do enjoy the Wallcourt patterns.

    Enjoy your weekend! We are moving Shanley into her apartment at college this weekend. It has been a difficult past couple of weeks, but at least being busy is helping our grief.

    Your post has certainly made me smile today!

    xo,
    RIcki Jill

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  52. Oh my! Delicious looking! Thank you for joining me at Home Sweet Home!
    Sherry

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  53. Now craving your pie and singing along to lemon tree song...
    xo Cathy

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  54. Yum, lemon meringue is my favorite pie. I love lemon anything really. Thank you for your recipe. I love the fruit tarts1

    Karen

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  55. I would dearly love having a big helping of anyone of your goodie.

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  56. Hello Sarah,
    Your lemon pie and tarts look delish! I see you make your meringue like I do. I love it when it 'cries.' Makes the pie look so pretty! Thank you for sharing and for your visit. Have a beautiful weekend.

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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  57. I LOVE lemon meringue! I got into that because my pie crust was less than perfect, and there's no milk in lemon meringue so it's a good dessert for my breathing! All your options look wonderful!
    Happy PS!
    Ruth

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  58. Lemon meringue pie - love it! Thank you for sharing your wonderful recipe at Potpourri Friday!

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  59. Who could resist any of these recipes? And I adore lemon meringue - Happy Pink Saturday from the UK!

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  60. Sarah,
    Your pie sounds delicious!
    The meringue looks nice and tall.
    Love a piece of that right now.

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  61. Oh my goodness, I love lemon anything. My mouth is watering. My favorite cake is lemon cake and right before your post I read another with a lemon recipe. I think it's time. ;)
    Thank you for stopping by the shop, Sarah. Do visit again soon.
    Happy pinks!
    Marcia

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  62. OMGosh Sarah! That looks so delicious. I love home made lemon pie...my mom always made it from scratch and like you, used cream of tartar in the meringue. I love your pie plate and that you used a vintage hankie as a napkin.
    Hugs and have a great weekend,
    Babs

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  63. Everything looks beautiful and yummy in this post!! Wish I had a piece of the meringue pie in your lovely table al-fresco. I love everything with lemons too. I love your pie plate, it's so pretty. Thanks for sharing.
    FABBY

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  64. I love lemon meringue pies! My Mom made them so well so I've never tried to make one myself.

    I also love your vintage hankie used as a napkin idea, Sarah!

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  65. oh my gosh, this looks so good!!!!!! Thank you for the recipe. And it is, as always, presented with GREAT style.
    I am so in the mood for something sweet and tart right now....ugh, I am wearing my whitening tray right now, so no sweets for me! Not fair. Should have looked at this post tomorrow.
    Hugs, Evi

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  66. How lovely!

    My PINK, your comment is always highly appreciated! Have a great weekend.

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  67. Oh my goodness! That looks so delicious! It makes my mouth water. I love your pie plate, too. You made so many yummy desserts! I wish I was sitting at that little table, relaxing with some lemonade and dessert!

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  68. Now I'm hungry! Playing catch up with Pink Saturday, didn't want to miss all the beautiful entries this week.

    My PINK
    Your comment makes me happy.
    Have a blessed Sunday.

    Rose

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  69. Hi Sarah, I am drooling over your lemon pie. Mmmmmm, I do love lemon and lime pie. Your pics are all so pretty. Especially the basket of lemons. We used to have a lemon tree in Florida but now we live in the mountains. No pretty lemons here on a tree. Smile.

    Happy Sunday,
    xo, Jeanne

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  70. Sarah, that looks simply divine and such a pretty setting, as always.

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  71. Yep, Peter, Paul & Mary got that one wrong! I love lemony things! Your pie looks delicious and a good lemon bar is hard to beat!
    Robin
    P.S. Love your Mackenzie Childs pie plate!

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  72. Wow, that pie looks so refreshing right about now. I love lemons. What a darling pie plate. So fun and whimsical too.

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  73. I love the pie, it looks delicious. I'm going to give the recipe a whirl. I haven't made any desserts in awhile but I think today is the day.

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  74. This is such a popular post Sarah that I had to page way way down to leave you a message. Lemon meringue pie was my Daddy's favorite and I always think of him when I have a slice. I love lemon on and in so many things, especially my tea, but I also love it in both ice and hot water. Have you ever tried Susan Branch's recipe for lemon linguine? Yummy!! Great post Sarah.

    Big Hugs,
    Susan and Bentley

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  75. Hi Sarah, Lemon is one of my favorite pies and this one looks delicious. I love your MC dishes and your photos are lovely. Thanks for sharing the recipe at the Open House party.

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  76. Oh how pretty that looks at your table Sarah! Thank you for joining me at Home Sweet Home!
    Sherry

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  77. Goodness that is gorgeous Sarah!
    And what a fabulous baker you are...the pie looks amazing!
    I am so impressed by the amount of comments you get too, amazing!
    Hugs friend,
    Cindy

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  78. Before I got to your tip on meringues, I kept thinking how beautiful yours was. My Mom always made a beautiful meringue too. And I love your tip on using hankies as napkins. How perfect for a tea party or girl's get together. Have a wonderful week Sarah! xo

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  79. Thank you for the Lemon Pie recipe! I lost my Mom's and yours sounds an awful lot like it!

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  80. Thank you for this pie recipe, lemon pie is something that I have never made. I know that my husband would enjoy it, because it was his mother's specialty. Maybe, that is why I haven't tried making it . . . I would hate to make a flop of something that is a pleasant memory. I am delighted that I have found your lovely blog, and I'll be back. Have a wonderful day, Connie :)

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  81. Well, i just finished dinner and now my sugar free pudding just won't cut it!
    Beautiful desserts and the MC is delightful!
    Thanks for linking to Let's Dish!

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  82. So yummy looking! I think I just gained 5 lbs reading this. lol It was worth it!

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  83. You've made me so hungry. I've never had much success with meringue. I'm going to try this recipe. I especially love the way the tarts look with the fruit on top. What a pretty handkerchief used for a napkin. laurie

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  84. Hello Sarah, Wow! Such delectable desserts! I do love lemons - and I am extremely hungry right now! I do appreicate you sharing with Home and Garden Thursday,
    Kathy

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  85. Thank you for sharing your lemon pie recipe. It reminds me of some my Mama used to make. I would like to exchange links with you. I also have a recipe site where I share family favorite recipes. If interested please contact me. Blessings, Deborah H. Bateman-Author

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  86. I adore lemon meringue pie. Yours looks scrumptious

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  87. You are featured today at Potpourri Friday at 2805! Thanks for being a great contributor!

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  88. This brings back so many wonderful memories! My mom (still living) always made lemon meringue pie at Easter ... it was my favorite! And it seems like a perfect warm weather dessert!

    I need to make one for our next family gathering ... well, warm weather gathering!

    :)

    Linda

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  89. What a yummy post! I love lemon meringue pie but have never been able to make it! Maybe I need to try your recipe!

    Best wishes,
    Natasha in Oz

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  90. Looks so delicious! I think I prefer lemon to chocolate so that is really saying something! Do you have lemon trees in your backyard? When we lived in California, we did and it was so neat!

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  91. Oh Sarah, Your posts are ALWAYS SO DELICIOUS! "AND" just LOOK at that PIE!!! I love lemon SO MUCH(it's NEVER impossible for me to eat,hehe)... I must confess though that I've NEVER made lemon meringue pie BUT now I will with your recipe!
    OH HOW WONDERFUL it would be to eat it with a set of your Sabre Paris forks...YUMMMMMY!
    Big Squishy Hugs,
    Donna

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  92. Great time I know...I've always wanted to go to Round atop after hearing about so many bloggers having a wonderful time. You made your post special by sa
    Hearing the pretty table. The blue bottles stole my heart!

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  93. Sorry about the weird comment. I just bought an IPad and it's difficult!,

    Jane x

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Thank you to each of you who take the time to leave a comment. I read and appreciate each and every one and will respond to any questions. Your notes are the only way I know who has stopped in for a visit.