Cranberry-Lemon Meringue Pie

Directions

• Preheat oven to 450°. On a lightly floured surface, roll crust to a 1/8-in.-thick circle; transfer to a 9-in. pie plate. Trim crust to 1/2 in. beyond rim of plate; flute edge.
• Line unpricked crust with a double thickness of foil. Fill with pie weights, dried beans or uncooked rice.
• Bake 8-10 minutes or until bottom is lightly browned. Remove foil and weights; bake 4-6 minutes longer or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack. Reduce oven setting to 350°.
• In a large saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, water and lemon juice. Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar. Reduce heat to medium; cook, uncovered, 4-6 minutes or until berries pop, stirring occasionally. Stir in tapioca and lemon peel. Remove from heat; cool slightly. Process half of the cranberry mixture in a food processor until smooth. Return to pan.
• In a small bowl, whisk a small amount of hot mixture into eggs; return all to pan, whisking constantly. Bring to a gentle boil; cook and stir 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in butter and vanilla.
• For meringue, in a large bowl, beat egg whites with cream of tartar on medium speed until foamy. Gradually add sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating on high after each addition until sugar is dissolved. Continue beating until soft glossy peaks form. Beat in vanilla.
• Transfer hot filling to crust. Spread meringue evenly over filling, sealing to edge of crust. Bake 15-18 minutes or until meringue is golden brown. Cool 1 hour on a wire rack. Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.