LEMON MERINGUE CUSTARD SLICES

Marry custard slices with lemon meringue pie – and wait for the compliments to roll in.

MAKES ABOUT 15 SLICES PREPARATION: 30 MIN CHILLING: ABOUT 1½ HOURS COOKING: 15 MIN

CUSTARD

6 egg yolks

180ml (¾c) castor sugar

100ml flour

500ml (2c) milk grated zest of 1 lemon

SLICES

1 packet (200g) cream crackers extra grated lemon zest MERINGUE

375ml (1½c) castor sugar

1,2ml (¼t) cream of tartar

80ml (¹⁄₃c) cold water pinch of salt

2 egg whites 5ml (1t) vanilla essence

Grease a rectangular baking tin with nonstick spray. 1 Custard Beat the egg yolks and castor sugar together. Sprinkle the flour over and beat until well combined. 2 Pour the milk into a saucepan and heat over low heat until just below boiling point. 3 Add 60ml (¼c) of the milk to the egg mixture and beat quickly. Add another 60ml (¼c) of the milk and beat well, then add the last of the milk and beat again. 4 Return the milk mixture to the saucepan and heat over low heat, stirring continuously, until the custard thickens. 5 Mix the lemon zest into the custard and transfer to a clean bowl. Cover with clingfilm (directly on the surface of the custard) and chill for 30 minutes. 6 Custard slices Arrange half the crackers tightly together in the bottom of the prepared baking tin, ensuring there are no gaps in between. Spread the custard evenly over the layer of crackers, and top with another layer of crackers. Cover with clingfilm and chill in the fridge for at least an hour or until set. 7 Meringue Put all the ingredients in a large glass bowl over a double boiler. Bring the water to the boil and beat the mixture in the glass bowl for 7-10 minutes or until thick and glossy. Remove from the double boiler and set aside to cool slightly. 8 To serve Cut into slices, using the crackers as a guide. Top with the meringue and serve.

(Turn over)