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Make this lemon chiffon pie recipe your new go-to Thanksgiving dessert

Lemon chiffon pie
(Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)
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When it comes to Thanksgiving dessert, it’s all about the pie. This is one holiday that’s not complete without the pumpkin pie, or pecan, or perhaps even the apple or cherry. But if you’re looking for something just a little lighter, with a nice tang from fresh lemon juice and zest, give this lemon chiffon pie a test run after the big dinner. It’s simple to make — combine a quick-cooked egg custard with beaten egg whites, whipped cream and gelatin. And it comes together quickly. Chill until ready to serve.

LEMON CHIFFON PIE

Total time: 45 minutes plus chilling time | Serves 8

Note: Adapted from “American Regional Cooking” by Sheila Hibben.

1 (1/4 ounce) packet (about 1 1/2 teaspoons) unflavored gelatin

3 tablespoons water

4 eggs, separated and divided

1 cup sugar, divided

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup lemon juice

1 1/2 teaspoons grated lemon zest

1/2 cup heavy cream, whipped

Baked pie crust

1. In a small bowl, drizzle the gelatin over the cold water to soak.

2. Meanwhile, in a medium metal bowl, whisk together the egg yolks with 1/2 cup sugar, the salt, lemon juice and lemon zest. Place the bowl over a larger pot of simmering water and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture is thickened to a custard-like consistency, about 8 minutes. Add the soaked gelatin and stir until dissolved. Remove from heat and place the mixture over an ice bath, stirring just until cooled to room temperature. Remove from the ice bath and set aside.

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3. In the bowl of a stand mixer, or in a large bowl using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites until foamy. With the mixer running, drizzle the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar over the whites and continue beating until the whites form stiff peaks.

4. In a separate bowl, beat the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.

5. Mix approximately one-fourth of the beaten egg whites into the cooled lemon mixture to lighten it. Fold in the remaining egg whites, followed by the stiffly whipped cream, taking care not to deflate the filling as it is combined.

6. Turn the filling into the baked pie crust and refrigerate at least 4 hours to allow the filling to set up.

Each serving: 291 calories; 6 grams protein; 38 grams carbohydrates; 1 gram fiber; 14 grams fat; 6 grams saturated fat; 126 mg cholesterol; 27 grams sugar; 204 mg sodium.

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