Key Lime Pie

This was my first key lime pie ever (baking, of course, not eating. On my honeymoon in Key West I ate a piece every single day we were there). This recipe is courtesy of Joe's Stone Crab. In case you were wondering, the differences between key limes and regular limes are that key limes are smaller, more acidic, have a more tart flavor, a stronger aroma and are yellow compared to green.



Ingredients

Graham Cracker Crust:

1 paper-wrapped package graham crackers (1/3 of a 1 pound box) or 1 cup plus 2 1/2 tablespoons graham cracker crumbs

5 tablespoons melted unsalted butter

1/3 cup sugar



Filling:

3 egg yolks

2 limes, zest grated (about 1 1/2 teaspoons)

1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

2/3 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (if you get Key limes, use them: otherwise use regular limes)



Topping:

1 cup heavy or whipping cream, chilled

3 tablespoons of confectioners' sugar



Directions

For the graham cracker crust: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 9-inch pie pan. Break up the graham crackers: place in a food processor and process to crumbs. (If you dont have a food processor, place the crackers in a large plastic bag: seal and then crush the crackers with a rolling pin.) Add the melted butter and sugar and pulse or stir until combined. Press the mixture into the bottom and sides of the pan, forming a neat border around the edge. Bake the crust until set and golden, 8 minutes. Set aside on a wire rack. Leave the oven on.



For the filling: Meanwhile, in a electric mixer with the wire whisk attachment, beat the egg yolks and lime zest at a high speed until very fluffy, abut 5 minutes. Gradually add the condensed milk and continue to beat until thick, 3 or 4 minutes longer. Lower the mixer speed and slowly add the lime juice, mixing just until combined, no longer. Pour mixture into the pie crust. Bake for 10 minutes, or until the filling has set. Cool on a wire rack, then refrigerate. Freeze for 15 to 20 minutes before serving.



For the topping: Whip the cream and the confectioners' sugar until nearly stiff. Cut the pie in wedges and serve very cold, topping each wedge with a large dollop of whipped cream





This is how many key limes it takes to yield enough juice to make two pies.





Finished product