
A historical dessert from The White House cook book; a comprehensive cyclopedia of information for the home .. (1913).
Preserved exactly as written in the original source
Stew the apples or peaches and sweeten to taste
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Mash smooth and season with nutmeg
Fill the crusts and bake until just done
Put on no top crust
Take the whites of three eggs for each pie and whip to a stiff froth
sweeten with three tablespoonfuls of powdered sugar
Flavor with rose-water or vanilla
beat until it will stand alone
spread it on the pie one-half to one inch thick
set it back into the oven until the meringue is well 'set'
Eat cold
Modern guidance to help you succeed with this vintage recipe
Cooking the fruit filling first removes excess moisture and concentrates flavors, preventing a soggy bottom crust. The meringue's stability comes from egg white proteins that denature and form a network when whipped, trapping air bubbles; adding sugar gradually stabilizes this structure by increasing viscosity and preventing overbeating. Baking the meringue after assembly causes surface proteins to coagulate, creating a protective outer layer that holds its shape and develops an appealing golden color while the interior remains soft.
The stewed fruit filling can be prepared up to 2 days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pie crust can be blind-baked 1 day ahead and stored at room temperature, covered loosely. However, the meringue must be made fresh and applied just before the final baking, as it cannot be prepared in advance.
Meringue pies are best eaten the day they are made. If necessary, refrigerate loosely covered for up to 24 hours, though the meringue will begin to weep and lose its texture. Do not freeze, as the meringue will collapse and become rubbery upon thawing. Bring to room temperature 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
AI-generated tips from Chef Cecil's culinary database
The stewed fruit filling can be prepared up to 2 days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pie crust can be blind-baked 1 day ahead and stored at room temperature, covered loosely. However, the meringue must be made fresh and applied just before the final baking, as it cannot be prepared in advance.
Meringue pies are best eaten the day they are made. If necessary, refrigerate loosely covered for up to 24 hours, though the meringue will begin to weep and lose its texture. Do not freeze, as the meringue will collapse and become rubbery upon thawing. Bring to room temperature 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.