The combination of cream cheese and tart lemon is wonderful.
INGREDIENTS (for 6 servings):
- 1 (9 inch) unbaked deep-dish pastry shell
- LEMON FILLING:
- 1 1/4 cups sugar, divided
- 6 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons grated lemon peel
- 4 drops yellow food coloring (optional)
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- CREAM CHEESE FILLING:
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (3 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup confectioners' sugar
- 1 1/2 cups whipped topping
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
PREPARATION:
Line unpricked pastry shell with a double thickness of heavy-duty foil. Bake at 450 degrees for 8 minutes. Remove foil; bake 5 minutes longer. Cool on a wire rack.
In a saucepan, combine 3/4 cup sugar, cornstarch and salt. Stir in water; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat; add remaining sugar. Cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened and bubbly. Remove from the heat; stir in butter, lemon peel and food coloring if desired. Gently stir in lemon juice (do not overmix). Cool to room temperature, about 1 hour. Do not stir.
In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Fold in whipped topping and lemon juice. Refrigerate 1/2 cup for garnish. Spread remaining cream cheese mixture into shell; top with lemon filling. Chill overnight.
Place reserved cream cheese mixture in a pastry bag with a #21 star tip; pipe stars onto pie. Store in the refrigerator.
© 2002 Reiman Media Group, Inc.