Burnt Sugar Pie

Place 1/3 cup of sugar in a saucepan over medium-high heat until it melts and turns light brown. Remove the pan from the heat and slowly add the hot milk, stirring until dissolved.

In a small bowl, sift the flour, salt, and sugar together.

Place the egg yolks in a small bowl, beat with a fork, and set aside.

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the hot mixture stirring over medium heat until it is nearly thickened, 3 to 5 minutes, taking care not to scorch.

Add a small amount of the hot mixture to the beaten egg yolks. Stir and immediately pour the egg mixture into the hot mixture. Reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, 3 to 5 minutes more. Continue stirring until the mixture boils gently for about 1 minute.

Remove from the heat and strain the filling into a bowl. Stir in the vanilla to taste and cool slightly.

For Meringue: In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg whites until frothy. Add the salt, cream of tartar, and vanilla and beat until stiff peaks form. Gradually blend in the sugar until well combined.

Pour the filling into the baked pie shell. Top with the meringue and and bake in a 400 degrees F oven for 5 to 8 minutes, or until meringue is golden brown.