Old-Fashioned Stupid Pie (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

01 - 3 egg whites
02 - ¾ cup granulated sugar
03 - 23 Ritz crackers or similar
04 - ¾ cup pecan pieces
05 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
06 - 8 ounces Cool Whip or similar

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350℉ and lightly grease a 9-inch pie plate.
02 - In a really clean mixing bowl, beat egg whites on low until foamy. Turn mixer up to medium and slowly add the sugar while beating the egg whites. When all of the sugar is incorporated, turn mixer to high and beat to stiff peaks.
03 - Crush the crackers into little bits, but not all the way to crumbs.
04 - Stir vanilla, bits of cracker, and pecan pieces into meringue until just uniform.
05 - Spread in prepared pie pan then bake for 25-30 minutes. The top of the meringue should be lightly golden and look fully set.
06 - Cool completely before topping with Cool Whip or whipped cream. You can enjoy it right away, but the texture is best if you chill it for at least 2 hours first.
07 - Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.

# Notes:

01 - Old-fashioned stupid pie is a vintage crustless pie with a meringue base. The combination of meringue, Ritz crackers, and pecans may seem a bit strange, but it really is delicious.
02 - If you prefer fresh whipped cream instead of whipped topping, use 1½ cups of heavy whipping cream with 3-4 Tablespoons of granulated sugar and a splash of vanilla. Just be aware that the whipped cream will be less stable over time than Cool Whip.