Lemon Cloud Pie and Rain

Raining here this weekend. Yesterday when F and B came out to bush hog around F's property, the skies fell in. F said he always brings rain when he brings out his mowing equipment.

Anyway, our plants and grass are now watered, as well as the pond. It was beginning to look scummy. Last night at dark Flip and I saw a small snake jump from the tall grass along the pond bank and swim off to safety. Needless to say, he need not be afraid of us. We don't like his type one bit.

Let's finish up lemon pies on this dark, warm(still !), and rainy Saturday.

Lemon Cloud Pie (Memaw's)

Pastry--
1 cup sifted flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup shortening
1 slightly beaten egg
1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Sift together flour and salt in mixing bowl.
Cut in shortening until particles are fine.
Combine egg, lemon rind, and lemon juice. Sprinkle over mixture while stirring with fork until dough is moist enough to hold together. (Add 1 to 2 tablespoons water, if necessary.)
Form into ball. Roll out to fit 8 to 9 inch pie pan. Flute edge. Prick generously with fork.
Bake at 400 degrees F for 12 to 15 minutes.

Filling--
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 cup water
1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
1/3 cup lemon juice
2 egg yolks
4 ounces cream cheese
2 egg whites
1/4 cup sugar

Combine sugar, cornstarch, water, lemon rind, lemon juice, and slightly beaten egg yolks in a saucepan.
Cook over medium heat. Stir constantly until thick. Remove from heat.
Add cream cheese and blend well. Cook while preparing meringue.
Beat egg whites until soft mounds form. Gradually add 1/4 cup sugar and beat until stiff peaks form. Fold into lemon mixture.
Spoon into pie shell. Chill.

Lemon Chess Pie (Memaw's)

2 cups sugar
1 tablespoon flour
1 tablespoon cornmeal
Dash salt
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup milk
Juice and grated rind of 2 lemons
4 eggs, beaten
1 nine inch unbaked pie shell

Combine sugar, flour, cornmeal, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Mix well.
Add melted butter and milk. Blend well.
Add lemon juice, lemon rind, and eggs, beating until well combined.
Place unbaked pie shell under broiler for 1 minute.
Remove shell from oven and pour in filling.
Bake at 350 degrees F for 30 to 35 minutes or until slightly firm in center.