To make the crust, first ensure that all the ingredients are as cold as possible.

Start off by combining the butter, flour, sugar and salt in either a food processor (pulsing) or a large bowl using a pastry cutter (OR you could use your hands).

Process until the mixture resembles coarse meal and starts clumping together.

Sprinkle with the cold water and let rest 30 seconds or so.

Process again in small pulses just until the dough begins to stick together in large clumps and comes away from the sides of the bowl.

Turn onto a lightly floured work surface and bring together to form a log shape (DO NOT KNEAD!).

Divide the log into 6 equal parts, and shape each part into a small disc shape. Lightly flour each disc and wrap in cling.

Chill the discs for at least 20 minutes.

When sufficiently rested, place the discs on a lightly floured work surface (allow the discs to warm slightly to room temp if they are too firm to roll) and roll out to 6 inch in dia.

Line six small tart pans with the dough, trimming away any excess.

Preheat the oven to 350 °F. Line the crusts with foil and place pie weights or dried beans to weigh it down. Bake blind for 20 to 25 minutes.

Carefully remove the weights and foil, and bake again for another 10 to 15 minutes till golden. Cool completely before filling.

To make the filling, bring the water to a boil in a large, heavy saucepan (emphasis on large... coz there's a whole lotta whisking involved!).

Remove from the heat and let stand 5 minutes. While it's resting, whisk together the sugar and corn starch. Add the mixture gradually to the hot water, whisking it till fully dissolved.

Return the saucepan to the heat, and continue whisking it till the mixture reaches a boil. It will be VERY thick.

Add one cup of this hot mixture to the beaten egg yolks (to temper them) and whisk thoroughly (we don't want scrambled eggs!).

Add this yolk mixture back into the saucepan and whisk vigorously (I know, I know... you'll have biceps of steel by the time you're done with this recipe!) till the mixture comes to a boil.

Remove from the heat and stir in butter until incorporated.

Add the lemon juice, zest and vanilla, stirring until combined.

Pour the lemon curd into the prepared crusts while still warm. Cover with cling film (touching the surface of the lemon curd) to prevent any skin from forming, and cool to room temperature.

For the meringues, preheat the oven to 375 °F. Using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites together with the cream of tartar, salt and vanilla extract till soft peaks form.

Add the sugar gradually, beating until it forms stuff, glossy peaks.

Pile the meringue onto the cooled tarts, bringing it all the way to the egg of the tart shell to seal it completely. You can add decorative swirls or peaks.

Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, till golden.

Cool on a rack, if desired, and remove from the tart tins before serving.

Best served within 6 hours of preparation so as to avoid the crust going soggy.