Tata’s Key Lime Pie

Tata’s Key Lime Pie

My favorite dessert next to Dark Chocolate Anything!!

Yield: One 9-10 inch pie
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
**It is really easy to make this dessert Gluten-Free simply substitute the graham crackers for gluten-free graham crackers!!
Filling:
5 egg yolks
Grated zest of 2 limes (about 1   1/2 teaspoons) 

2

1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (if you get Key limes, use them: other wise use regular limes) 

2 (14oz) cans Sweetened Condensed Milk

Topping:
1 cup heavy or whipping cream, chilled
3 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
Directions:
For the graham cracker crust: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 9-inch pie pan. Break up the graham crackers: place in a food processor and process to crumbs. (If you don't 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. I use a flat bottom metal measuring cup to get an even pressed crust.

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, (or use a Vita Mix blender) beat the egg yolks and lime zest at a high speed until very fluffy, about 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 20 minutes, or until the filling has set. Cool on a wire rack, then refrigerate. Chill for 4 hours 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.  Or use frosting piping bag and decorate pie with piped whip topping. 

Enjoy!

Love, Tata