Butterscotch Pie

STEP 1

Combine flour and salt in bowl; cut in 1/2 cup butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in enough water with fork until flour is just moistened. Wrap in plastic food wrap; flatten slightly. Refrigerate 1 hour.

STEP 2

Heat oven to 475°F.

STEP 3

Roll out chilled pastry on lightly floured surface into 12-inch circle. Place into 9-inch pie pan. Trim pastry to 1 inch from edge; crimp or flute edge. Prick bottom and sides. Bake 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool completely.

STEP 4

Reduce oven temperature to 350°F.

STEP 5

Melt 1/4 cup butter in 2-quart saucepan over medium heat. Stir in dark brown sugar. Add 2 1/2 cups milk; stir 1-2 minutes or until sugar is dissolved. Continue cooking 5-7 minutes or until mixture bubbles around edge.

STEP 6

Whisk together remaining 1/2 cup milk, cornstarch and egg yolks in bowl. Add small amount hot milk mixture to egg yolk mixture; mix well with whisk. Gradually add egg yolk mixture to hot milk mixture. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, 3-4 minutes or until mixture comes to a boil. Continue cooking 1 minute or until mixture is thickened. Immediately pour into baked crust.

STEP 7

Beat egg whites and cream of tartar in bowl at high speed until foamy. Continue beating, gradually adding 1/2 cup sugar, 4-5 minutes or until glossy, stiff peaks form and meringue is smooth. Spread meringue over hot filling, sealing to edge of crust. Bake 10-15 minutes or until meringue is lightly browned.

STEP 8

Cool 1 hour. Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.