Old Fashioned Rhubarb Custard Pie

Old Fashioned Rhubarb Custard Pie ~ my mother's recipe from the 1950's.

1 c sugar
1/4 tsp salt
3 tbsp flour
3 egg yolks
3 tbsp orange juice from the orange
2 tbsp butter
3 c fresh rhubarb
3 egg whites
1/3 c sugar
unbaked bottom pie pastry
1/3 c chopped pecans-Optional
meringue or whipped cream

Combine 1 cup sugar, flour and 1/4 tsp salt. Add egg yolks, juice and butter; beat until smooth. Stir in rhubarb. In another bowl beat egg whites to soft peaks. Gradually add 1/3 cup sugar, beating to stiff peaks. Gently fold whites into rhubarb. Pour into pastry and sprinkle with nuts. Bake at 325 F for 55 minutes.

Top with meringue or whipped cream