Real Key Lime Pie

I miss the times I visited Key West. On just about every street corner was a bakery, cafe, or Key Lime Pie specialty dessert and coffee shop. I have been trying to get the real key lime pie flavoured pie ever since I visited back in 2003. I guess it is time to revisit or just settle for my key lime pie.

Graham Wafer Crust

 

Graham Cracker Crust

I use the whole crackers so you will need to crush 16 of them

1/2 cup of butter

3 Tbs of brown sugar

I heat the butter and brown sugar in a pot on the stove then add the crumbs and spread into a pie plate.

 

 

The Key Lime

4 egg yolks

14 oz can Sweetened Condensed Milk

1/2 cup fresh squeezed Key Limes

2 tsp green zest from the lime

1/2 tsp vanilla

 

If you use limes call it a lime pie, however if you use the itty bitty limes those wee little bitties are key limes and really you can't call your pie a key lime pie unless you use them, otherwise you'd just have a lime pie.

Juicing key limes can be challenging - that is when a husband who is always handy the computer comes into your rescue. He strolls into the kitchen and say's, "Looks like that is an almost impossible job!" Me, "you're not kidding." husband, "look why don't you try using your garlic press it might work." Me, "the key limes are to big for that." husband, "I'll cut them into four and you try it." IT WORKS!

 

 

 

Putting it all together

1. With mixer beat the egg yolks on medium speed until they are thick (don't over mix)

2. Add the sweetened condensed milk and beat until incorporated, add 1/2 of the lime juice and zest until all blended, then add the rest of the juice and continue to mix until blended.

3. Pour the pudding into your cooled pie shell (that was pre-baked for 12 minutes at 350)

4. Bake 350 for 12 more minutes until the egg yolks set and thicken.

5. Remove from oven, cool then refrigerate for about 2 hours until set.

I don't like to waste, so those 4 egg whites got whipped up and I added 3/4 c of sugar gradully and then 1/4 tsp of cream of tartar and made a meringue for the top. You could use whipped cream or leave just the key lime pie as is to enjoy as it is traditionally served. I guess I could have made some meringue cookies, but was feeling topless so added it to the pie instead.

I sprinkle white sugar on top and it crystalizes just nice

Here is the pie just out of the oven, the house smells of key limes

 

 

There you have it, Grandma's Key Lime Pie Recipe.

I like to make little tarts and add the key lime pudding into the centre and put these itty bitties in the tea room on a three tiered tray because they look so inviting and looks like I've been working for hours to juice these little bitty key limes and the compliments wow!

 

Enjoy,

Cindy

 

 

 

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