Grumpy's Castle; 7 June 2010 --
As all regular readers of this BLOG already know, Grumpy has (from time to time) grumbled about his deprivation of his favorite after-dinner (or before dinner, or between meals -- even lieu of breakfast!!) treat: the Grand Mother's unequalled, delectably-delicious Lemon Meringue Pie. You also recall Grumpy's earlier attempts at convincing his eternal Wife of her need to let Grumpy transcribe her recipe -- and her Norwegianly- stubborn refusal to do so as far as Grumpy was concerned. Her infamous excuse? That Grumpy would simply have it for his mythical next wife (Red-Headed, of course).
Well, today marks a turning point: Today, the 7th day of June, in the year of our Lord 2010, the Grand Mother finally conceded to let Grumpy observe the whole process of making this famously delicious concoction! Grumpy was ecstatic! Now the recipe would finally be immortalized for posterity!!
The first step in the process involves the "zesting" of the lemons. This is a tedious task that Grumpy typically does to help her with the time- and utensil-consuming process. Grumpy enjoys this job, primarily because the thought of the climax to this process causes his salivary glands to start aching with joyous anticipation!
The entire process of making the crust is not shown, simply because it is the very simple procedure of making a soft dough of water and flour and then, after working it thoroughly to ensure it is well mixed together, roll it firmly out onto a flour-covered cloth to make a suitably-sized layer, as shown here, into (or maybe onto?) which to pour the lemon-pie filling.Again, the procedure for making the filling involves dirtying at least 52 utensils such as bowls, spoons, forks and knives, not to mention a candy thermometer, the KitchenAid mixer and the ceiling (Grumpy's certain result). Besides, the filling is well-documented elsewhere (here and here). So no need to repeat it again.
And this is what the final result is supposed to look like this (a previously photographed pie):
Grumpy's elation at being finally allowed to witness the whole process and thereby be able to replicate this delicacy, in the unfortunate event that the Grand Mother becomes incapacitated to do it herself, was quickly deflated when the Grand Mother commented: "I'm not worried about you watching me make a Lemon Meringue Pie; you are so forgetful that you won't remember it anyway!"
She didn't have to say that!!
And there's many a slip twixt the cup and the lip.
ReplyDeleteI've watched Ang make several things, even memorized them, and still my results are sub par.
Got her on popcorn though.
Yeah, Lief; I think there is a whole lot of "slip" 'twixt the cup and the lip, to wit, I believe your Grand Mother uses some secret ingredient, about which she has told precious few!
ReplyDeleteNothing I make using any of her recipes ("Rat" Pancakes, Whole Wheat Pecan Waffles, Homemade Bread -- and, of course, Lemon Meringue Pies) turn out one tenth as good as when she makes them.
HEY!! NOT THAT I'VE EVER TRIED MAKING A LEMON MERINGUE PIE, ELYNOR!!!