Pie squared

When life gives you lemons, make lemon meringue pie.

So what if you stink at pie crust? Once they taste the filling, no one will notice the crust.

And so what if you suddenly discover that you're short on sugar? It won't kill you to hop in the car and run to the store. Don't forget to turn off the oven!

And if it turns out that those lemons that looked so juicy at the store are so thick-skinned that their juice content is pathetic, don't worry! Just juice more lemons--or make smaller pies.

And then if it's a really dim, gloomy day with lots of moisture in the air so that your meringue comes out gummy and starts to droop as soon as it cools--well, it'll taste just as good even if it looks wretched. Just serve it to your loved ones and give them that tart look that says "One complaint and you won't see a home-made pie for months!"

They'll love it. So will you. So go ahead: bake my day.