Rhubarb Meringue Pie

Pastry:
1 cup all purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/3 cup plus 1 tbsp shortening
2 to 3 tbsp cold water

Filling:
2 eggs
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup all purpose flour
4 cups cut up rhubarb
2 tbsp butter or margarine

Meringue:
3 egg whites
1/4 tsp cream of tartar
1/4 cup sugar

Directions:

1. In a medium bowl mix 1 cup flour and the salt.
Cut in shortening using pastry blender, (or pulling 2 table knives through ingredients in opposite directions) until particles are size of small peas.
Sprinkle with cold water, 1 tbsp at a time, tossing with fork until all flour is moistened and pastry almost cleans side of bowl (1 to 2 teaspoons more water can be added if necessary).

2. Gather pastry into a ball. Shape into flattened round on lightly floured surface. Wrap in plastic wrap; refrigerate about 45 minutes
or until dough is firm and cold, yet pliable.
This allows the shortening to become slightly firm,
which helps make the baked pastry more flaky.
If refrigerated longer, let pastry soften slightly before rolling.

3. Heat oven to 475°F. With floured rolling pin, roll pastry into round 2 inches larger than upside down 9 inch glass pie plate.
Fold pastry into fourths; place in pie plate.
Unfold and ease into plate pressing firmly against bottom and side.
Trim overhanging edge of pastry 1 inch from rim of pie plate.
Fold and roll pastry under, even with plate; flute as desired.
Prick bottom and side of pastry thoroughly with fork.
Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until light brown; cool on cooling rack.

4. Reduce oven temperature to 375°F.
In large bowl, beat 2 eggs and 1 cup sugar with electric mixer on medium speed until thickened.
Stir in 1/3 cup flour and the rhubarb; pour into pie crust.
Cut butter into small pieces and sprinkle over pie.
Cover edge of pastry with 2 to 3 inch strip of foil to prevent excessive browning.

5. Bake 35 to 45 minutes or until filling is bubbly and rhubarb is tender.
Cool pie on cooling rack while preparing meringue.

6. In large bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar with electric mixer on high speed until foamy.
Beat in 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tbsp at a time, until stiff and glossy (do not under beat).
Spread meringue over rhubarb mixture to edge of crust.
Bake 6 to 8 minutes or until light brown.
Cool pie away from draft, about 30 minutes.

Makes: 8 servings