Simplicity is the "KEY" Lime Pie...

When I think of pie, the first thing that comes to mind is my favorite...

Key Lime Pie!

It is one of the simplest pleasures in life...better than cake to my taste buds...
a slice of happiness.

I used to think it was difficult to make...then I found a recipe and began to make it myself...with real key limes...all from scratch.  It was very good.  I was thrilled that it was so easy to prepare until I came across a simpler way...  "Nellie and Joe's Key Lime Juice".  My life suddenly became better!  I realized that squeezing limes was a thing of my past as I found the "key" to the best pie I've ever tasted.  What's better...the recipe for this no fail taste of heaven is right on the bottle!  Oh, thank you God for Nellie and Joe!  With a recipe as perfect as this, life is sweet delight!

With most foods, I prefer cooking from scratch, but this juice really is fresh and I don't mind taking the easy way out occasionally for a convenient alternative.

There is one thing, however, that I will never do...buy a crust!  Feel free to call me a pie crust snob, but in my opinion, nothing compares to the freshness of a homemade crust.  Many of the pre-packaged pie crusts have additives to extend their shelf life which are really, really bad for you.  I admit that even homemade crusts are not the most healthy thing to eat...but they taste so much better and even though butter has saturated fat, it is not as harmful as the trans fats found in substitutes. Yes, butta is betta...and of course, moderation is "key"! 

Here is the recipe for this elegant pie...which makes me look like the queen whenever I serve it....but truth is, I'm not the queen....princess maybe....but not the queen!  ;)

Simple yet Elegant Key Lime Pie:  

Crust:

1 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs (organic preferred --- or graham crackers pulsed in food processor until crumbs result - (I actually found gluten free graham crackers at my health food store and have been able to substitute them for the traditional crumbs...I like them)
5 TBSP.  Un-salted Butter (melted)
1/4 cup sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Mix above ingredients together and pat into a 9 inch pie plate.  Bake for 8 minutes.  Remove from oven and cool completely.

Filling:

14 oz. can of sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated milk)
3 egg yolks (whites not used) 
½ cup Nellie & Joe's Key West Lime Juice

Combine all three ingredients until smooth. Pour filling into pie crust and bake at 350º for 15 minutes. Allow to stand 10 minutes before refrigerating.  Refrigerate at least 2 hours.  Just before serving, top with freshly whipped cream or meringue, garnish and serve.
                                                                                                               

I love to garnish with fresh berries and

a "dab" of fresh,

real whipped cream!

( 1/2 pint  8 oz. heavy cream w/ 1 TBSP. sugar & 1 tsp pure vanilla...in a chilled bowl with chilled beaters, beat on high until stiff peaks form, then serve)

Moderation???!!!

If you're lucky, you just might get a slice before I devour it!

 

Simple Pleasures!!!!!!!!!!!!