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Lemon Pie by the Yard

I was trying to think of ideas for someone who cooks for a large group regularly and, in talking, found out that doing a lemon pie on a cookie sheet was a new idea to her. Growing up with all sorts of cakes and pies done on cookie sheets to serve large groups, I did not realize that this really is thinking outside the box. So, this is not really a recipe, as much as it is an idea to serve a larger group. It is easier to cut up and serve small squares than large pieces of pie.

Ingredients:
  • recipe for two pie crusts (posted amount is good for a 15x11 inch cookie sheet)
  • 2 packages of purchased lemon pie filling or double homemade
  • 6 - 8 beaten egg whites for meringue
  • 1/2 - 3/4 cup sugar for meringue
Method
  1. Pat pastry into rectangular shape, on floured surface then roll out to size of cookie sheet - actually a little more to go up the sides.
  2. Roll up onto rolling pin and unroll unto cookie sheet. Trim edges where they are too high and add pieces where it is too low. (cut and paste). Prick with fork.
  3. Bake until golden at 400° F about 15 min.
  4. Meanwhile, cook pie filling according to package instructions, or homemade
  5. Pour hot cooked filling into baked shell.
  6. Immediately beat egg whites, gradually adding sugar. Beat just until wavy and glossy and will stand up if dabbed with a spoon. Do not over-beat. It is easier to spread if it's not too stiff.
  7. Spread evenly over warm filled pie, making sure the meringue touches the side crusts. For wave design, dab meringue with the back of a spoon.
  8. Bake at 400° F for 7 - 8 min until golden.
Some like it served while still a little warm, but it does need to sit for several hours first. Refrigerate if not serving the same day. No need to cover.

* NOTE - To keep meringue from sticking to knife while cutting, dip knife into hot water or run under hot tap water
*for a 12x17 inch cookie sheet pastry, use 2 1/2 cups flour, 1 cup shortening, 1 teaspoon salt, 6 or 7 tablespoons cold water (sometimes I use half butter, half shortening or lard and also replace 1 tablespoon of the water with vinegar.)

44 comments:

  1. OOOOOOOO, GREAT idea!! I can't wait to try this!!I cook in large quantities a lot, and can't wait to try this!!thank you.

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  2. This is a great idea! I posted a Lemon Cloud Pie yesterday. Pie on a cookie sheet - super way to cook for a crowd. Thanks for the inspiration :)

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  3. Anneliese, as always, you're a wealth of information and great tips! Thanks for this great idea. I'm usually the dessert maker for our extended family of 16 when we get together, and the request is usually PIE! Will try this next time.

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  4. This would be quick and easy to make and take to a church gathering. Thanks for the recipe.
    AMY

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  5. love this idea. post more recipes like this one

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  6. Wow! That's a keeper! I'm hungry now...pie for breakfast, yum!

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  7. Oooh, I hope someone brings this to our next potluck. Yum! (I've copied the recipe, thanks!!)

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  8. Oh what perfect timing! We're branding next week and I'll have a crew to feed 3 meals a day for about 9 days. I'm always looking for something new and this looks like the perfect addition to my menu! Thank you so much! Be blessed!

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  9. I love this idea! This is a huge favorite in our family so the next big group I have over is getting this by the yard:) Thanks for sharing your out of the box ideas.

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  10. How nifty! I have done other pie recipes with 2 crusts or a crumble this way but not Lemon Pie. You are right...the knife under hot water works for no sticking. Kathy

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  11. Looks great!!! I NEED to try this soon :-)

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  12. Looks fantastic! This works for all other kinds of pies too, especially those with a Streusel or lattice topping!

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  13. What a wonderful idea! This looks soooo good! :)

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  14. What a great idea for large family gatherings! and then a great lemon pie as well, definitly going to be using this! Thank You!

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  15. what a GREAT idea, how can you go wrong with lemon pie, YUM!

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  16. I do an apple slab pie this way. Have also done it with cobblers. Hadn't thought of the lemon though. Great post!

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  17. Oh this looks good! Can I come over and have a piece?? Actually, I'll stop by Palm Springs and have some with you :)

    Love, Bonnie

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  18. Could you also post the pie filling recipe? That would be so great. Thanks!

    Jo Anna

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  19. Is it a problem that the sides of the cookie sheet (jelly roll pan) are low?

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  20. Well, it looks like the pie got cleaned up!!! I'm grateful for your enthusiasm and always wish that it works well for you too!

    Jo Anna - It may not show up on your computer, but if you scroll and click right on the "double homemade" (on the list of ingredients)you will end up on Lovella's recipe.

    Karen Anne - It's alright to have low sides - a regular cookie sheet or jelly roll pan - I think it's about 3/4 inch high? Form the pastry right up the sides - even with the top and pinch it a bit to the sides. When you fill - just fill it to the top. Two pkgs of pie filling are usually the right amount. It won't run over.
    Cookie Sheet pie is not as high as a regular pie - it's spread out more... and easier to serve more pieces.

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  21. This would be such fun to take to a gathering....I know everyone would be enthused!

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  22. Oh so yummy! I love lemon anything! Thanks for the recipe.
    Beckie in Brentwood, TN

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  23. Oh it looks fantastic
    Anneliese. .what a great idea for a summer family bbq. I made the links brown instead of black on the crust and the filling so it is better noticed. . That was my fault that it was too blended in with regular script. .thanks for pointing that out.

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  24. I loved this idea and now I know how to make it!!! Thanks for sharing.

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  25. Wow, I just HAD to come here when I saw the post title! Lemon pie by the yard ... it's like a dream.

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  26. That looks DIVINE! I've made other things in large quantities but never thought to do lemon pie this way.
    Such a great idea and wow I'm really craving lemon pie now instead of chocolate!

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  27. Anneliese...what a great idea! I love anything lemon...but have never done lemon pie-bythe-pan. Now I will.

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  28. Wow! Unheard of...but now I have know excuse. I have the right recipe and two packages of lemon filling. You are up one!!

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  29. It looks so beautiful. I like how everyone gets their own peak of meringue! I've been craving lemon meringue ever since I read this!

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  30. My mom always makes her lemon pie this way, there are just too many of us in the family that love it, to do it the other way. Glad to see that you have enlightened others with this idea!

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  31. I do love anything lemon as does my family..and such a great idea to make it by the 'yard'.

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  32. I will make this, this week for a Ladies Shelter dinner. This will be a "special" dessert for them..I am always looking for "Large group" main dishes, any advice?

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  33. This was fantastic - fed our large Care Group perfectly last night!
    Thanks!

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  34. i made this with graham cracker crust it was a huge hit at a baby shower

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  35. What is the size of your cookie sheet? Karen

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    Replies
    1. I use a cookie sheet anywhere from 11X14 to 12X16.

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  36. How many would you say this serves?

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    Replies
    1. I'd say 18 - 24 ... depending on size you cut them.

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  37. Fabulous idea! Why didn't I think of that! :)

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  38. Anneliese, Thank you so much for making my life easier. I always had to make 3 lemon pies every holiday. Not anymore. You are WONDERFUL. God Bless.

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  39. Can you do this on a sheet pan for church socials? What would be the proper amount of the ingredients?

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    Replies
    1. I'm not sure what you mean, because this recipe (crust and filling) is for a sheet pan. . . anywhere from 11X14 - 12X16.You can cut it into 24 pieces.

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