Maple Cream Meringue Pie

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°. On a lightly floured surface, roll crust to fit a 9-in. pie plate. Trim and flute edge. Line unpricked crust with a double thickness of foil. Fill with pie weights. Bake on a lower oven rack until golden brown, 15-20 minutes. Remove foil and weights; bake until bottom is golden brown, 3-6 minutes longer. Cool on a wire rack.
2. In a small saucepan, combine cornstarch and water until smooth. Stir in syrup and cream. Cook and stir over medium-high heat until thickened and bubbly, 2-3 minutes. Reduce heat to medium; cook, stirring constantly, 2 minutes longer. Remove from the heat.
3. Stir a small amount of hot filling into egg yolks; return all to the pan, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle boil; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Remove from the heat. Gently stir in butter. Pour into crust.
4. In a large bowl, beat egg whites, vanilla and cream of tartar on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, on high until stiff glossy peaks form and sugar is dissolved. Spread evenly over hot filling, sealing edges to crust.
5. Bake until meringue is golden brown, 12-15 minutes. Cool on a wire rack for 1 hour. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving. Store leftovers in the refrigerator.