Key Lime Dream Pie

Graham Cracker Crust:

• 1 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 2 tablespoons granulated white sugar
• 5-6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Filling:

• 3 large egg yolks
• One 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup key lime juice
• 2 teaspoons grated lime zest

Topping:

• 1 cup heavy whipped cream
• 2 tablespoons granulated white sugar
• 1 teaspoon grated lime zest to decorate

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and place the rack in the center of the oven.

Graham Cracker Crust: Mix together the graham cracker crumbs, sugar and melted butter. Press onto the bottom and up the sides of a buttered 9-inch pie or tart pan. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator to chill while you make the filling.

Filling: In the bowl of your electric mixer, with the whisk attachment, beat the egg yolks until pale and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). Gradually add the condensed milk and beat until you have a light and fluffy mixture (3-5 minutes). Scrape down the sides of the bowl and beat in the lime juice and zest.

Pour the filling into the crust and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the filling is set. Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool. Once it has completely cooled, cover and refrigerate until serving time. (The pie can be made to this point and stored in the refrigerator for a couple of days.) Just before serving make the whipped cream.

In a separate bowl, beat the whipping cream until soft peaks form. Add the sugar and beat until stiff peaks form. Either pipe or place mounds of whipping cream on top of the filling.

Makes one 9-inch pie or tart.

Appeared in The Independent Weekly 8/11/10