Becky Jo's Chocolate Meringue Pie
Makes one 9-inch pie
1 prebaked pie crust shell
1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/2 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 eggs, separated
2 cups whole milk
4 tablespoons butter, diced
4 ounces bittersweet chocolate
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a small saucepan, whisk together the 1/2 cup sugar, cocoa, salt and flour. In a small bowl, combine the egg yolks and milk. Whisk the liquid into the dry ingredients. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to a boil, whisking constantly. Boil for two minutes then remove from the heat and whisk in butter, chocolate and vanilla. While the filling is still hot, pour into the prebaked pie shell and set aside.
To prepare the meringue, using a very clean bowl, whisk the egg whites until they triple in volume. Gradually add the remaining 3 tablespoons of sugar and continue whisking until stiff peaks form. Mound the meringue over the chocolate filling. Bake 10 to 15 minutes or until the meringue is golden brown. Cool completely before serving.
