Miss Julie's Pumpkin Meringue Pie

Ingredients

• 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
• 1 can (15 oz) solid-pack pumpkin
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup half-and-half
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 3 egg whites
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together the pumpkin, 1/2 cup white sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and salt. Stir in eggs, half-and-half, cream, cornstarch and vanilla extract. Pour into the unbaked pie shell.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup white sugar and 2 tablespoons cornstarch. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until stiff. Gradually add sugar mixture to egg whites and beat until glossy. Gently fold in cream of tartar.
4. Spread the meringue over the top of the pie. Bake in preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the meringue is golden brown.
5. Allow pie to cool before serving.

Interesting Facts

• Pumpkin pie is a traditional Thanksgiving dish in the United States.
• Meringue is a type of dessert topping made from egg whites and sugar.
• Pumpkin is a type of squash that is native to North America.