Key Lime Pie---YUM!
I had a meeting the other night and I wanted to serve something very summery and fruity but still dessert-y, so I thought and I thought and I thought and I discarded a bunch of ideas because it was too gooey or too heavy or would take too much time that I really didn't have that day. And, finally, I decided on Key Lime Pie!
If you've ever been to Florida, especially down in the Keys, you've been inundated with Key Lime products. They make EVERYTHING Key Lime down there...from pie to candy to chocolate covered ice cream bars to cookies to sauces....the list goes on and on.
And yes, there really is a difference between a Key Lime and a regular lime. (I have to make a confession here that the lime slice in the picture is just a regular lime because I couldn't get any fresh Key Limes here where I live. I had to use bottled juice to get the Key Lime flavor...busted!)
A Key Lime is much smaller than a regular lime with a thin, smooth, greenish-yellow skin and greenish-yellow flesh inside. They are quite juicy and have much more acidity than a regular lime. You definitely notice a difference in the flavor when you taste them!!
Everyone enjoyed the pie immensely! It's such a refreshing, palate-cleansing dessert that is perfect on a hot summer evening. Many recipes call for topping the pie with whipped cream, and that's perfectly acceptable if you want to serve it that way, but I much prefer meringue..I mean really, who doesn't like meringue??? Anybody?? Anybody??
Key Lime Pie Recipe
1 7-oz. bag of Schar GF Shortbread cookies, crushed
1/4 cup sugar
6 T. melted butter
Combine the above ingredients until the consistency of a graham cracker crust. Press firmly into the bottom of a 13 X 9 " baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes. Remove from oven; cool completely.
In a mixing bowl, combine 2 14-oz. cans of sweetened condensed milk, 6 egg yolks (reserve whites), and 1 cup of Key Lime Juice (I used Nellie and Joe's brand). Blend until smooth.
Pour filling onto the cooled cookie crust and bake at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes. Remove from oven and make the meringue.
To make meringue:
In a mixing bowl, combine 6 egg whites, 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla, and 3/4 tsp. cream of tartar. Beat on medium speed until soft peaks form (about 1 minute). Gradually add 1 cup of sugar, about 1 T. at a time until all incorporated. Beat on high speed for 4 minutes more or until mixture forms stiff, glossy peaks and sugar is completely dissolved.
Spread this meringue over the pie, making sure to seal the meringue to the edges of the crust to prevent shrinkage. Bake at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely before cutting and serving. Makes 8-12 pieces.
Key Limes are an excellent source of Vitamin C!! Vitamin C is a vitamin that is necessary for normal growth and development and is used by your body to repair tissues. It is also an antioxidant, which is a nutrient that blocks damage caused to your body by free radicals. The body does not produce Vitamin C, nor is it able to store it because it is a water-soluble vitamin, so you must get Vitamin C either in your diet or through supplementation.
Key Limes are a yummy way to get your Vitamin C and protect your body!! Too little Vitamin C can result in anemia, bleeding gums, gingivitis, inability to fight off infections and illnesses, scurvy, nosebleeds, weakened tooth enamel...need I say more???
Jimmy Buffet has said, "If life gives you limes, make margaritas!" Well, I say, "Make limeade or pie or cookies or candy or sauces....just use your limes :)"
And yes, there really is a difference between a Key Lime and a regular lime. (I have to make a confession here that the lime slice in the picture is just a regular lime because I couldn't get any fresh Key Limes here where I live. I had to use bottled juice to get the Key Lime flavor...busted!)
A Key Lime is much smaller than a regular lime with a thin, smooth, greenish-yellow skin and greenish-yellow flesh inside. They are quite juicy and have much more acidity than a regular lime. You definitely notice a difference in the flavor when you taste them!!
Everyone enjoyed the pie immensely! It's such a refreshing, palate-cleansing dessert that is perfect on a hot summer evening. Many recipes call for topping the pie with whipped cream, and that's perfectly acceptable if you want to serve it that way, but I much prefer meringue..I mean really, who doesn't like meringue??? Anybody?? Anybody??
Key Lime Pie Recipe
1 7-oz. bag of Schar GF Shortbread cookies, crushed
1/4 cup sugar
6 T. melted butter
Combine the above ingredients until the consistency of a graham cracker crust. Press firmly into the bottom of a 13 X 9 " baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes. Remove from oven; cool completely.
In a mixing bowl, combine 2 14-oz. cans of sweetened condensed milk, 6 egg yolks (reserve whites), and 1 cup of Key Lime Juice (I used Nellie and Joe's brand). Blend until smooth.
Pour filling onto the cooled cookie crust and bake at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes. Remove from oven and make the meringue.
To make meringue:
In a mixing bowl, combine 6 egg whites, 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla, and 3/4 tsp. cream of tartar. Beat on medium speed until soft peaks form (about 1 minute). Gradually add 1 cup of sugar, about 1 T. at a time until all incorporated. Beat on high speed for 4 minutes more or until mixture forms stiff, glossy peaks and sugar is completely dissolved.
Spread this meringue over the pie, making sure to seal the meringue to the edges of the crust to prevent shrinkage. Bake at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely before cutting and serving. Makes 8-12 pieces.
Key Limes are an excellent source of Vitamin C!! Vitamin C is a vitamin that is necessary for normal growth and development and is used by your body to repair tissues. It is also an antioxidant, which is a nutrient that blocks damage caused to your body by free radicals. The body does not produce Vitamin C, nor is it able to store it because it is a water-soluble vitamin, so you must get Vitamin C either in your diet or through supplementation.
Key Limes are a yummy way to get your Vitamin C and protect your body!! Too little Vitamin C can result in anemia, bleeding gums, gingivitis, inability to fight off infections and illnesses, scurvy, nosebleeds, weakened tooth enamel...need I say more???
Jimmy Buffet has said, "If life gives you limes, make margaritas!" Well, I say, "Make limeade or pie or cookies or candy or sauces....just use your limes :)"
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