Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pie

Ingredients:

1 pre-baked pie crust

¼ cup butter

1 cup sugar

¼ cup flour

½ cup cocoa powder

2 cups milk

3 egg yolks

1 tsp vanilla extract

3 egg whites

¼ tsp cream of tartar

½ cup sugar

Instructions:

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Melt Butter: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk sugar, flour, and cocoa in a bowl. Gradually add to the butter, stirring to avoid lumps.

Add Milk: Slowly add milk while stirring until smooth.

Cook Until Thickened: Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until thickened. Remove from heat.

Temper Egg Yolks: Whisk egg yolks and add a spoonful of the hot mixture to temper. Gradually stir yolks into saucepan.

Finish Cooking: Return saucepan to heat and cook for 2-3 minutes. Stir in vanilla and remove from heat.

Assemble Pie: Pour chocolate filling into the pre-baked crust.

Prepare Meringue: Beat egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Add sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.

Top with Meringue: Spread meringue over filling, sealing the edges.

Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, until meringue is golden.

Cool and Serve: Allow to cool completely before serving.