Recipe: Key Lime Cream Pie with Graham Cracker Crust

KEY LIME CREAM PIE

"I think there are almost as many key lime pie recipes as there are inhabitants of the Keys. They all start with juice from the unique key lime, which has a distinct flavor than traditional Persian limes. As I thought about the desserts for this book, I decided to try a pie based on creme patissiere or pastry cream. The result was an instant success. The delicious custard easily takes on the distinct key lime flavor. The pastry cream gives the pie a more velvety texture with a delicious balance of sweet and tart. Try it and surprise your guests with this variation on the theme of a traditional key lime pie."

GRAHAM CRACKER CRUST:
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter (3/4 stick), melted
FOR THE FILLING:
3 egg yolks
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 1/2 cups milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons butter
1 1/2 cups sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup key lime juice

TO MAKE THE CRUST:
Place graham cracker crumbs and sugar in a bowl. Stir in the melted butter into the crumbs and press mixture into a 9 or 10 inch pie plate. Place in the refrigerator until needed.

TO MAKE THE FILLING:
Beat egg yolks with electric mixer and slowly add the sugar. Continue to beat until the mixture is almost white and begins to form a ribbon. Lift the beaters and form a W. If this remains, the ribbon stage has been reached. Beat in the cornstarch.

With mixer running slowly pour in the milk and vanilla. Pour mixture into a sauce pan and place over medium heat, stirring constantly. The sauce will become lumpy as it comes to a boil. Continue whisking to smooth limps. When a bubble forms the flour is cooked.

Remove from the heat. Whisk in the butter until it is melted.

Mix sweetened condensed milk with the key lime juice. Stir into the sauce. Pour into prepared pie crust. Place in refrigerator for at least one hour.

Makes 1 (9 or 10-inch) pie, 8-10 servings
Source: The Flavors of the Florida Keys by Linda Gassenheimer (Grove Atlantic)