Gooseberry Meringue Pie is a delightful and tangy dessert that showcases the unique flavor of gooseberries. This pie features a sweet and tart gooseberry filling topped with a fluffy meringue, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Whether you use canned, fresh, or frozen gooseberries, this pie is a wonderful way to enjoy the distinct taste of these delightful berries. Gooseberry Meringue Pie is a classic dessert that is sure to impress your guests or satisfy your own sweet cravings.

Gooseberries have a long history and are enjoyed in various culinary traditions around the world. They have been cultivated for centuries and are known for their tart flavor and vibrant color. Gooseberry pies have been a popular dessert in many countries, particularly in Europe, where gooseberries are native.

In the United States, gooseberry pies were especially popular in the 19th century. Gooseberries were widely grown in home gardens and were a common ingredient in pies and preserves. However, due to various diseases affecting the gooseberry crop, commercial cultivation became limited, leading to a decline in popularity. Despite this, gooseberry pies remain a cherished dessert among those who have access to fresh or frozen gooseberries.

The gooseberry filling in this pie is cooked with sugar, which helps to balance out the tartness of the berries and create a sweet and tangy flavor profile. The meringue topping adds a light and airy texture, with a golden-brown crust when baked. This combination of flavors and textures makes Gooseberry Meringue Pie a unique and delightful dessert.

PREP/TOTAL TIME: 30 MIN.

MAKES: 6-8 SERVINGS

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups canned, fresh, or frozen gooseberries
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1½ cups sugar, divided
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 cup milk
• 2 eggs, separated
• 1 pastry shell (9 inches), baked

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a covered saucepan, cook the gooseberries and water over medium heat for 3-4 minutes or until the gooseberries are tender.
2. Stir in ¾ cup of sugar and set the mixture aside.
3. In a separate saucepan, combine ½ cup of sugar and cornstarch.
4. Gradually add milk to the sugar-cornstarch mixture, stirring until smooth.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly.
6. Cook and stir the mixture until it thickens.
7. Reduce the heat and continue cooking and stirring for an additional 2 minutes.
8. Remove the saucepan from the heat.
9. In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks.
10. Gradually whisk a small amount of the hot filling into the beaten egg yolks.
11. Return the egg yolk mixture to the saucepan and bring it to a gentle boil.
12. Cook and stir the mixture for 2 minutes.
13. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the gooseberry mixture.
14. Pour the filling into the baked pastry shell.
15. In a small bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form.
16. Gradually add the remaining sugar, beating on high until stiff peaks form.
17. Spread the meringue evenly over the hot filling, making sure to seal the meringue to the crust.
18. Bake the pie at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until the meringue is golden.
19. Once baked, store the pie in the refrigerator.

Enjoy the tangy and sweet flavors of Gooseberry Meringue Pie, with its fluffy meringue topping and vibrant gooseberry filling. Whether you have access to fresh, frozen, or canned gooseberries, this pie is a delightful way to savor the unique taste of these berries. Serve it as a special dessert for family gatherings or as a delicious treat for yourself.