Key Lime Pie

For months I have been craving Key Lime Pie. I don't know what prevented me from making it. I guess it was because I didn't want an entire pie in my house, because I know I will end up eating all of it instead of sharing it with my colleagues. :) [Hey! I'm an only child (on my mother's side)! I'm not used to sharing! That's my excuse, and I'm sticking to it.]



I cheated with this recipe by purchasing Nellie and Joe's Key Lime Juice and an already prepared graham cracker crust from my favorite store, HEB Central Market. I also used the recipe on the bottle and added some lime zest.


Nellie & Joe's Key Lime Pie
adapted from Nellie & Joe's

9" graham cracker pie crust
14 oz. can of sweetened condensed milk
3 egg yolks
1-2 tsp lime zest (optional)
½ cup Nellie & Joe's Key West Lime Juice

Combine egg yolks and lime zest. Then add in the milk and the lime juice. Blend until smooth. Pour filling into pie crust and bake at 350º for 15 minutes. Allow to stand 10 minutes before refrigerating. Just before serving, top with freshly whipped cream and garnish with lime slices.



The whipped cream on top was homemade, of course. After my first batch of homemade whipped cream, I vowed to never ever purchase or taste Cool Whip again. The homemade stuff is so good and has a softer, creamier, more luscious texture. The taste is just unbelievable, and it is so easy and fun to make!

Homemade Whipped Cream

1 cup heavy cream
2 Tbsp granulated sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla

Place the (mixer) bowl and a whisk (or the whisk attachment) in the freezer for about 15 minutes. Afterward, pour the heavy cream into the (mixer) bowl and start whisking vigorously or on med-high. Once the cream reaches the soft peak stage, add in the sugar and vanilla. Continue to mix until it reaches the firm peak stage. Don't mix too long, or you will end up with sweet butter and buttermilk. After the mixture reaches the soft peak stage, I stop and start the mixer every few seconds to make sure I don't over mix it. Then, dip your finger in the cream, put the cream in your mouth, close your eyes, and savor the best whipped cream in the world! :D