Lemon Meringue Pie

1. Prebake your pie crust before starting your filling. If using a store-bought crust, prebake according to the package instructions. If using a homemade crust, roll the dough into a 12-inch circle. Place the dough in a 9-inch pie dish, tuck the excess pie dough until, and crimp the edges. Poke the bottom of the crust all over with a fork. Freeze for 20 minutes.
2. Preheat the oven to 425°F while freezing. Line the frozen pie shell with foil and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Place on a rimmed baking sheet.
3. Bake for 20 minutes. Carefully remove the foil and pie weights and continue baking the crust until golden brown on the edges and the bottom appears dry, about 15 to 20 minutes more. Remove and let cool completely.

For the Filling:

1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks until smooth and set aside.
2. In a medium pot, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Slowly whisk in the water, lemon juice, and lemon zest until the cornstarch is dissolved. Place over medium heat and whisk frequently until thickened and starting to bubble, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat.
3. Temper the egg yolks by slowly pouring about 1 cup of the hot lemon mixture into the egg yolks while whisking. Slowly pour the tempered egg yolk mixture into the pot while whisking. Place over medium-high heat. Continue whisking until the mixture is thickened enough for the whisk to leave a defined trace and the mixture starts to bubble, about 2 minutes.
4. Remove from the heat and whisk in the butter until fully melted and combined. Pour into the baked pie shell.

For the Meringue:

1. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F.
2. While the filling is still hot, make the meringue. Combine the egg whites and cream of tartar in the mixing bowl of a stand mixer fitting with a whisk attachment. Beat on medium-high speed until frothy. Slowly add in the sugar. Continue beating until stiff, glossy peaks form, about 5 minutes.
3. Spread the meringue over the top of the lemon filling, making sure it goes all the way the edge and touches the crust.
4. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the meringue starts to turn golden brown. Chill the whole pie for at least 4 hours or up to 12 hours before serving.