Today I saw the movie "Julie and Julia" with a fellow cooking friend. We loved it, and both laughed heartily and are now ready to cook and eat heartily. Really, the movie makes you hungry, and as a perpetual foodie who is also always weight conscious, this creates a true delimna.

I came home ready to cook, but not ready to change my plans of fajitas for dinner. (Beef) Since I wanted to do a bit more after watching the movie I made lemon meringue pie. Ok, I used the lemon pie mix, by Jello, but it was at least a cook and serve, not instant. I did make the meringue from scratch. Lemon pie is made by this fluffly bit of heaven. Here's how to make it. Oh, buy Jello Lemon pudding...make it cook and serve. It's easier than scratch. The next recipe will be scratch, I promise!

Meringue for pies:

3 egg whites, separated and in a bowl that is cool and dry. A stainless steel bowl works well. ( I usually make a pudding for the pie, using the egg yolks.) Mix the whites, beginning on low and working up to a high speed. As the whites froth and thicken, slowly add about 1/3 cup of sugar, small bits at a time, while the mixer is running. When stiff peaks form ( about 3-5 min.) and curl on a spoon, it's ready. Put the oven on bake 350, spead the meringue on the pie, and put this in the oven for about 7-10 min. Watch carefully and when the peaks turn golden brown, remove from the oven.

YUM!