Key Lime Pie

Key Lime Pie

Key lime pie is a quintessential summer pie, but too many restaurants serve one that is either too tart, too sweet, or smothered with cream cheese.  A plot line in the "Dexter" episode "Easy as Pie" has him committed to finding his dying friend Camilla the perfect piece of key lime. After a series of attempts at procuring the perfect slice he finally realizes the request for euthanasia that it is, which he fulfills by injecting sodium pentathol into the pie. "You finally brought me the perfect pie." she tells him before she dies. Let me assure you that this version of key lime pie my new friend Crystal Dellafave-Joyner provided, reputedly the original recipe from Key West, is the one "to die for".

Key Lime Pie (Food and Wine March 1999)

1 3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs (about 7 oz)
1/2 cup sugar
1 stick, melted, unsalted butter
1/4 tsp cinnamon
3 lg eggs yolks
1/4 tsp cream of tartar
2-14 oz cans of sweetened condensed milk
2/3 cup key lime juice, preferably fresh

Preheat oven to 350F. In medium bowl, stir graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and cinnamon. Evenly press crumbs into 9" pie plate. Bake for about 12 min or until firm. Remove crust from oven and lower temp to 325F. In large bowl, whisk egg yolks and cream of tartar until frothy. Stir in milk, then whisk in the key lime juice until fully incorporated. Pour filling into crust and bake for about 15 minutes or until set. Let cool on a rack, then refrigerate until chilled before serving. May be refrigerated overnight. (8-10 servings)
Food and Wine key lime pie recipe