Chocolate Meringue Pie

I got this recipe from a cookbook that my grandmother gave me when I was 16.

1 baked pie shell

filling:
1 cup sugar
4-5 tablespoons cornflour
2 squares unsweetened chocolate, chopped up
1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)
2 1/2 cups whole milk
3 egg yolks
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract

meringue:
3 egg whites
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/3 cup sugar

Prepare and bake the pie shell and let it cool.

Making the filling:
In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, cornflour, chocolate, and salt (if desired). Slowly stir in the milk. Place over medium heat and bring to a boil, stirring often. When it comes to a boil, remove from the heat and stir in some of the hot liquid into the egg yolks to temper them. Then add the yolks to the hot liquid, stirring as you add them. Put back onto the heat and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. This should take very little time. Remove from the heat and stir in the extracts. Pour immediately into the pie shell.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

Making the meringue:
Put the egg whites and cream of tartar into a large mixing bowl - I use my kitchenaid. Start mixing on high, gradually adding the sugar. Continue to beat until you have a nice thick meringue. You can't really over beat this because of the sugar. When done, put onto the pie filling by big dollops-full. Make sure to smooth around to completely cover the filling. Bake for about 7 to 11 minutes, until you have a nicely browned surface.

Cool completely on a rack before serving.

CHOCOLATE CREAM PIE

Make the pie omitting the meringue.  In it's place top the pie with a half-pint of whipping cream beat until thick with 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla.