Lime Meringue Pie

My mom and I made this lime meringue pie for New Year's dinner. We had two of my good friends from college over, as well as my grandma...lots of fun! We cheated with a store-bought crust and just made the filling and meringue, and it worked out perfectly. I love having this type of pie because it connects to both my (great-) Grandma Ada on my mom's side and my Grandma Chatfield on my dad's side.

Lime Meringue Pie

1 c sugar
1/4 c corn starch
1 1/2 c cold water
3 egg yolks, slightly beaten
grated peel of 1 lime
1/4 c lime juice
1 T butter
1 baked pie crust
3 egg whites
1/3 c sugar

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine 1 c sugar and cornstarch in the top half of a double boiler and stir until smooth. Stir in the egg yolks.
2. Whisk constantly over the double boiler until the mixture is thickened.
3. Remove from heat and stir in lemon peel, juice, and butter. Spoon the hot filling into the pie crust.
4. In a small mixing bowl, beat egg whites until foamy. Gradually beat in 1/3 c sugar until stiff peaks have formed. Spread over the hot filling, making sure to touch the crust on all sides so no filling is showing.
5. Bake 15-20 minutes until the meringue is golden and beautiful. Chill in the refrigerator.