Key Lime Pie is the official pie of the state of Florida. One taste and you will understand why Floridians are so crazy for this unique desert.
Key limes are a small greenish yellow fruit about 1/2 to 1/3 the size of a Persian lime (the round dark green fruit that almost every grocer carries as a staple). The juice of the Key Lime is pale yellow with a hint of green and is more tart than a Persian Lime. Many stores now carry Key Limes pre-bagged in small mesh sacks. If you can't find fresh Key Limes the bottled juice is often carried and works just as well.
Many pies calling themselves Key Lime find their way into the market but are not truly a key lime pie; sadly, the flavor is very lacking and often too sweet.
To experience what a true traditional Key Lime Pie tastes like without traveling to Florida, follow the simple recipe that follows (sitting outside under an umbrella, listening to Calypso music is optional).
Key Lime Pie:
Ingredients :
- 1 9" pie shell
- 1 14oz can condensed milk
- 4 egg yolks
- 1/2 cup key lime juice (either bottled or the juice of about 7 limes)
- Frozen whipped topping or whipped cream - optional
Method :
- Pre - heat oven to 350
- Place egg yolks in a medium bowl (discard the white, you will not need it)
- Beat yolks with a fork or a whisk until light yellow
- Add condensed milk and mix well
- Pour in juice and stir until smooth and you have an even consistency
- Pour filling into store bought or home made graham cracker crust
- Bake in pre-heated oven for 15 to 20 min
- Refrigerate for at least one hour or until well chilled
- Top with whipped cream and serve
Graham Cracker Crust :
Ingredients :
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup plus 1 tbsp melted butter
Method :
- Pre - heat oven to 375
- Melt butter in a microwave safe bowl or in a small sauce pan over low heat
- Place graham cracker crumbs in a medium bowl
- Stir in sugar
- Pour butter over crumb and sugar mix and stir well until crumbs are evenly moist
- Press crumbs evenly over bottom and sides of 9" round pie pan
- Bake in pre - heated oven for 8 min
- Allow to cool for at least 30 min before filling
Margarita Pie :
Ingredients :
- 1 recipe key lime pie filling
- 1 tbsp tequila
- 1 tbsp triple sec
Method :
- Mix tequila and triple sec into pie filling after adding lime juice
- Bake as directed
Try topping margarita pie with whipped cream and sliced fresh strawberries for a Strawberry Margarita Pie.
Jackie Milligan - My name is Jackie and I am a foodie. As a small child, my mother inspired me with the love of good fresh food made from scratch. I ...
