Easter Recipe: Lemon Meringue Ice Cream Pie in Toaster Pecan Crust

Yes, Easter Sunday was yesterday. I was forwarded this recipe by C in DC who was planning to make it, so we will hope she comments on how well it was received. I think it sounds great! The recipe comes from Bon Appétit, April 2007 issue.

Lemon curd

• 2 large eggs
• 2 large egg yolks
• 6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 6 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon peel
• Pinch of salt

Crust

• 1 1/2 cups finely chopped pecans
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, melted

3 cups vanilla ice cream, slightly softened, divided

Meringue

• 4 large egg whites, room temperature
• Pinch of cream of tartar
• 6 tablespoons sugar

For lemon curd: Whisk eggs and egg yolks in medium bowl. Melt butter in medium metal bowl set over large saucepan of simmering water. Whisk in sugar, lemon juice, lemon peel, and salt; gradually whisk in egg mixture. Whisk until thick and thermometer inserted into curd registers 178°F to 180°F, about 8 minutes. Transfer to small bowl. Press plastic wrap on top of curd; chill 4 hours. Can be made 2 days ahead. Keep chilled.

For crust: Preheat oven to 400°F. Mix pecans, sugar, and butter in medium bowl until moistened. Press pecan mixture onto bottom and up sides of 9-inch-diameter glass pie dish (mixture will be crumbly). Bake until crust is lightly toasted, about 12 minutes (crust will slip down sides of dish). Use back of spoon to press crust back into place. Cool crust on rack. Freeze crust 30 minutes.

Dollop 1 1/2 cups ice cream over crust; spread into even layer. Spread lemon curd over ice cream; freeze until firm, about 2 hours. Dollop 1 1/2 cups softened ice cream over lemon curd; spread into even layer. Cover and freeze until firm, about 2 hours.

For meringue: Using electric mixer, beat egg whites in medium bowl until frothy. Beat in cream of tartar. With mixer running, gradually add sugar. Beat until stiff peaks form. Spoon meringue over pie, spreading to seal at edges and swirling decoratively. DO AHEAD Can be made 1 day ahead. Freeze pie. Using kitchen butane torch, toast meringue until golden in spots or place pie in a preheated 500°F oven until meringue is golden in spots, watching to prevent burning, about 3 minutes. Cut pie into wedges; serve immediately.