Key Lime Pie

Last weekend we had a dinner party to attend and I offered to make dessert.  We were having a big Southern meal so I wanted to make something that wouldn't be too heavy.  I love key lime pie, but have never actually made it, and this seemed like the perfect opportunity.  This recipe really is fabulous and everyone seemed to enjoy it.  If you don't want to take all the time necessary to juice the key limes, Nellie & Joe's Key Lime Juice is a surprisingly delicious substitution and really speeds up the process.

KEY LIME PIE
Adapted from Joe's Stone Crab

INGREDIENTS - CRUST
1 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
5 tablespoons melted butter
1/3 cup sugar

INGREDIENTS - FILLING
3 large egg yolks
1 1/2 teaspoons key lime zest (zest of 2 key limes)
1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
2/3 cup freshly squeezed key lime juice

INGREDIENTS - TOPPING
1 cup cold heavy cream
2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 9-inch round pie plate.

2. Combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar.  Press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of the pie pan.  Bake the crust until set and golden, about 8 minutes.  Set aside on a wire rack.  Leave the oven on.

3. Using the high speed of an electric mixer, beat the egg yolks and lime zest at high speed for 5 minutes. Gradually add the condensed milk and continue to beat until thick, 3 or 4 minutes longer. Add the lime juice and stir until combined, then pour the mixture into the crust.

4. Bake pie for 10 minutes or until the filling has just set.  Cool on a wire rack, then refrigerate.

5. Once the pie has cooled, whip the cream and confectioners' sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.  Spread whipped cream over the pie or pipe around the edges.

6. Before serving, freeze the pie for about 20 minutes, then cut and serve.