Spring Berry Meringue Pie

This recipe is adapted from Self.com's diet friendly desserts article. This is a great refreshing dessert when served chilled to help beat the scorching summer heat.

For the Crust

1 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs

1/8 cup raw granulated sugar *Can use granulated sugar substitute

4 tbsp melted Olivio *Can use any nondairy margarine or low fat butter of your choosing

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a bowl mix together graham cracker crumbs, olivio and sugar. Coat a 9" pie plate with cooking spray. Pour in graham cracker mix. Press against the walls and bottom to form an even layer. Bake for 15 minutes.

For the Filling:

2 cups sliced fresh strawberries

1 cup raw sugar

1/4 tsp salt

1 packet unflavored gelatin *I found that this is not a really necessary ingredient so if you want to keep this pie kosher/vegan or you just don't want to have the gelatin, leave it out

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 cups fresh blueberries

Mash strawberries with sugar and salt in a medium pan over medium heat. Bring to a boil and stir. Add gelatin (optional); stir until dissolved. Remove from heat. Add vanilla extract and blueberries. Spoon berry mixture into pie crust.

For the Meringue:

1/2 cup egg whites *You cannot use egg subsitutes for this part. You just have to tough it out and separate the whites and yolks the old fashioned way.

1/4 tsp of cream of tartar *This is an absolute essential for merigue. It helps the egg whites hold the stiff peaks and give it that airiness when it is dried.

2 tbsp of finely granulated sugar *It doesnt work if you use a sugar substitute

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

In a mixing bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar. Beat until soft peaks form. Slowly add sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat the egg whites. Beat until stiff. You will know it is ready when you can hold the bowl upside down over your head and still keep clean. Spoon meringue on top of the berry filling of pie. Bake in the over for 12 minutes and meringue top is golden. Cool and refrigerate for 3 hrs.

Nutritional Facts: Makes 8 servings; serving size 1/8 slice of pie

calories 275; grams 150; fat 5.5g; saturated fat 1g; protein 4g; carbs 53g; sodium 462 mg; fiber 2g; sugar 41g