ORANGE BUTTERMILK PIE

This recipe gives a citrus twist to the ever popular buttermilk pie.

3 large eggs, separated
1 to 1 1/4 cups sugar, to taste
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tbsp grated orange peel
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 to 1 tsp ground cinnamon, to taste
1/8 tsp salt
1/2 cup orange juice
4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
1/4 tsp cider vinegar
Pre-baked (lightly) and cooled 9-inch single pie crust
Garnish with fresh orange slices, fresh berries, etc as desired

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Carefully separate eggs into 2 very clean mixing bowls. Allow whites to come to room temperature. Meanwhile, beat yolks briskly for a few seconds with a whisk. Add sugar, flour, orange peel, vanilla, cinnamon and salt; whisk again. Whisk in orange juice and butter; beat until blended. Stir in buttermilk and mix well. Set aside.

Sprinkle vinegar over the egg whites. Using an electric mixer, beat egg whites at medium-high speed just until they hold slight peaks. Stir a large spoonful of egg white into the yolk mixture and mix well. Fold in remaining egg white and mix gently but thoroughly until blended. Pour filling into the pie shell.

Place the pie on the lower shelf of 350 degree oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until puffed and light brown and a knife comes out almost clean when inserted in the center. If the crust starts to brown to quickly, cover the edge with strips of foil. Cool on a wire rack. If refrigerated, allow to warm slightly before serving.
Garnish as desired when serving.

Note: File Photo