Waitress Pie

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, stir together the crust ingredients until well blended. Press the mixture into a 9-inch pie pan. Bake 9 to 11 minutes, or until the crust is browned and crisp. Remove from the oven. Increase the oven temperature to 425°F.
3. In a small saucepan, heat the milk almost to a boil. Remove from heat. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs slightly. Whisk in the sugar and salt. *Add the hot milk, ¼ cup at time, whisking constantly to temper the egg mixture (to get it warmer gradually). Whisk in the vanilla. Pour the custard through a fine sieve and into the prepared pie crust. Sprinkle the top of custard with cinnamon.
4. Bake on a lower shelf of the oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until the custard is set and firm to touch. Remove from the oven and set on a rack to cool slightly. (Keep the oven on)
5. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the egg whites until foamy. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form. Spread the meringue over the cooked custard, and return to the oven until the meringue is slightly browned. Cool for at least 15 minutes before serving.