Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Lemon Meringue Muffins

Lemon Meringue Pie holds a special place in my heart.  It happens to be my family's classic go-to dessert, one that everyone loved, especially my Grandpa.  My Grandpa loved Lemon Meringue Pie with a passion. Each time he took a bite, he'd rear his head back and close his eyes, savoring every bite. He'd always chuckle, as if the Lemon Meringue Pie was so good that he couldn't help but be amused by how much he loved it.  His chuckle was contagious and before long my parents and I would be laughing right along with him.  Sometimes we'd laugh our way through the whole pie, just the four of us.

Every time I see anything resembling Lemon Meringue Pie I am reminded of my Grandpa and all the fun times we had as a family gathering at the table. Ironically, I stumbled across this recipe for Lemon Meringue Muffins the day before what would have been my Grandpa's birthday.  It seemed fitting to make these on his special day and I'm so glad I did.
Lemon Meringue Muffins
Adapted from Taste of Home
Makes 12

6 tablespoons butter, softened
1 cup sugar, divided 
2 eggs
1/2 cup plain yogurt (I used greek yogurt)
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon grated lemon peel
1/4 teaspoon lemon extract
1-1/3 cup all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 egg whites

In a large bowl, cream butter and 2/3 cup sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the yogurt, lemon juice, peel and extract. Combine the flour, baking powder and baking soda; add to creamed mixture just until moistened.

Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups three-fourths full. Bake at 350° for 18 minutes. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, beat egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in remaining sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, on high until stiff glossy peaks form and sugar is dissolved.

Transfer meringue to a heavy-duty resealable plastic bag; cut a small hole in a corner of bag. Pipe onto muffins. Bake 5-8 minutes longer or until meringue is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the muffin comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack. Serve warm. Refrigerate leftovers.

Nutrition Facts: 1 muffin equals 188 calories, 7 g fat (4 g saturated fat), 52 mg cholesterol, 135 mg sodium, 28 g carbohydrate, trace fiber, 4 g protein.

 Notes/Results:  This is one exciting muffin!  The muffin itself is light and lemony with a very tender crumb.  The meringue topping is billowy and fluffy and makes these muffins a very special treat.  The entire family loved these muffins, but I do think a little layer of lemon curd between the muffin and the meringue would be especially nice.  As far as muffins go, these are pretty light and not so bad for you, making them a pretty good choice in the muffin department. 
Eating pie with Gramps

20 comments:

  1. Wow, Kim, those are fantastic. I love lemon meringue pie too- a lot! What a sweet story about your Grandpa. It was very special!

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  2. Lovely story. Thanks for sharing it with us. I think I understand just how your grandfather felt. It's the combination of the sweet sweet meringue combined with the tangy lemon curd that seems to tickle the mouth! Delicious x

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  3. Oh, I've been waiting for this recipe. I wish I had another snow day tomorrow to make them, but as soon as I get home from nails and hair (I've become more high maintenance as I've aged), I'm making these. I just happen to have bought some lemon curd recently and will either pipe some inside or layer it under the meringue as you've suggested. I will give you credit when I post these, of course. Yum, can't wait.

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  4. These muffins look like they floated down from heaven! Beautiful...and the picture brings a warm spot to the heart. Blessings, Catherine

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  5. What a nice memory! This is the first time I've seen lemon meringue muffins. What a fun idea!

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  6. Looks fantastic, a good departure from the norm. Great baking.

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  7. wow these are just too cool love this pie and wow the pic at the end made my day miss my Granddad

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  8. Kim this is such a lovely post.I look forward to making this recipe..Love the picture at the end...

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  9. Awww. That's a nice story about your grandpa. The cupcakes look really good too!

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  10. Kim, I've been waiting for you to post these, lol! My Grandma used to make the best lemon meringue pie and it's my husband's favourite kind. He would love these!

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  11. Love the old photo of your Grandpa, Kim! I'm crazy about lemon anything too...my mother used to make a lemon angel pie that was a delight.
    Your muffins look as though they could float away. And the meringue on top just makes things taste even more heavenly. Already copied it!

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  12. I am so making these! I love you! Woot! (I have a tree full of Meyer lemons to use.)

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  13. this is such a sweet post! don't you love foods that take you back to your childhood and loved ones. and definitely the perfect day to make these. lemon meringue sounds like such a great idea for a muffin, they look delicious!

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  14. Oh how sweet! I love that your memory of your grandfather is so intrinsically linked to food...especially something as delicious as lemon meringue pie. These cupcakes look so tasty!

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  15. Great story about your family. The image of your grandpa giving a chuckle after every bite is precious. And your family sitting and laughing over a pie made me smile.

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  16. Cute pic! I agree that a dollop of lemon curd would make these just about perfect!

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  17. What a wonderful muffin and such a great family story too--it's so great you have those special memories about your Grandpa. ;-)

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  18. I just love the image of you all sitting munching on a LMP and giggling!

    I really fancy giving these a go - and soon!

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  19. What a sweet, loving story. Highly appropriate to make these delectables in his honor. Now, if you can just share them across the blogosphere.

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  20. Aw! What a cute pic!These sound pretty darn awesome , too. How 'bouts I have the shrimp for dinner and one or two of these afterwards? It's a plan!

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