Gooseberry Meringue Pie Recipes

GOOSEBERRY PIE

Steps:

• To make the pastry, mix the butter and icing sugar together in a bowl, then tip in 4 egg yolks. Add the flour and mix it all together with your fingers until you get a crumbly texture like damp breadcrumbs. Work in 1-2 tbsp water until the pastry just comes together, then divide it in half and roll it into 2 balls. This will make double the amount you need, so freeze half for another time. Lay the ball you are using on a floured surface, flatten it out with your hands, wrap the dough in cling film and chill for at least 30 mins.
• For the filling, tip the fruit, sugar and Port, if using, or a splash of water into a saucepan and simmer everything for about 10 mins until the fruit is soft. Taste for sweetness, adding more sugar if you think it needs it. Pour the fruit into a pie dish about 25cm wide and 5cm deep.
• Heat oven to 190C/170C fan/gas 5. Roll the pastry out on a lightly floured surface so it's big enough to make a lid for your pie dish. Cut a thin strip of pastry to stick onto the lip of the pie dish - this doesn't have to be one continuous piece. Stick it on with a little water, then moisten the strip with more water and place the pastry lid on top. Press down firmly, trim off any excess pastry and crimp. Make a hole in the middle of the lid, brush the top with the remaining egg yolk and sprinkle over some caster sugar. You should have enough pastry trimmings left over to make some artistic leaves to decorate your pie, if you like. Bake for 30 mins or until the top is golden brown. Leave the pie to relax a little, then serve it with custard or vanilla ice cream.

GOOSEBERRY MERINGUE TART

Steps:

• Heat oven to 180C/fan160C/gas 4. Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface, then use it to line a 23cm loose-bottom tart tin. Line with non-stick baking parchment and baking beans, then bake for 15 mins. Remove the beans, then cook for 10 mins more until golden. Remove from the oven, then reduce the heat to 140C/fan 120C/gas 1.
• While the case is cooking, heat the butter and brown sugar in a shallow pan. When the sugar has completely dissolved, throw in the gooseberries and toss in the caramel. Cook for a few mins until they start to split, but before they have burst completely. Remove from heat and leave to cool. Once cool give them a stir, then tip into pastry case.
• For the meringue topping, whisk the egg whites to soft peaks. Whisk in the caster sugar a spoonful at a time, then whisk in the cornflour. Carefully blob the meringue over the gooseberries and gently spread to cover. Bake for about 40 mins until the meringue is cooked and lightly browned.

GOOSEBERRY MERINGUE PIE

Steps:

• In a covered saucepan over medium heat, cook gooseberries and water for 3-4 minutes or until tender. Stir in 3/4 cup sugar; set aside., In another saucepan, combine 1/2 cup sugar and cornstarch. Gradually add milk until smooth; bring to a boil. Cook and stir over medium-high heat until thickened. Reduce heat; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Remove from the heat. , In a bowl, beat egg yolks. Gradually whisk a small amount of hot filling into yolks; return all to the pan. Bring to a gentle boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat; stir in gooseberry mixture. Pour into pastry shell. , In a small bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add remaining sugar, beating on high until stiff peaks form. Spread evenly over hot filling, sealing meringue to crust. Bake at 350° for 10-15 minutes or until golden. Store leftovers in the refrigerator.