It was a gray-ish, kind of dreary day in Atlanta. We seem to be stuck in the space between what we southerners think of as fall and winter. I’m still trying to adjust to the early sunsets. And the news.
Oddly enough, I’m also humming Jimmy Buffett tunes in my head and dreaming of Key Lime Pie!
I suspect it has to do with our preparations for a voyage to the Conch Republic.
We are, perhaps, a bit behind in terms of shore excursions and ground logistics, but we’re excited.
An actual chance to put my toes on Key West (without dealing with the infamous bridge) and a whole week with my favorite people.
So, in honor of that…my go-to recipe for Authentic Key Lime Pie, complete with my fabulous gluten-free oatmeal pie shell, just in case you might be feeling the need for a harbor like I am just now!
Authentic Key Lime Pie
MAKES: ONE 9 INCH PIE, ABOUT 8 SERVINGS
The real deal Key Lime Pie, right here. Better yet, with the Oatmeal Pie Crust shell, it’s gluten-free! This is the recipe right off the Nellie & Joe’s bottle of Key West Lime juice. You can order it from Amazon or try Whole Foods or Publix depending on where you are. Did you know that the pie has sweetened condensed milk in it because the recipe was developed before Key West had dependable milk delivery or refrigeration? Really! Would I eat this once a week? No, but it’s a holiday favorite in my family. Remember, if it’s green, it’s not real Key Lime Pie!
Equipment Note: You can use a food processor, hand or stand mixer for this, but a wire whisk will do it. A mixing advantage is handy if you opt for homemade whipped cream. I often use an Eco-foil disposable pie tin with the domed plastic crust when I make this pie.
Arrange oven racks so pie will bake in center of oven.
Preheat oven to 350°F.
In a suitable mixing bowl, combine and mix well:
One 14-oz. can sweetened condensed milk.
3 good quality egg yolks. (Reserve whites for another use.)
Add and blend until smooth:
½ c. Nellie & Joe’s Key West Lime Juice.
Pour filling into:
One miraculous 9-inch Oatmeal Pie Crust (see below) or a prepared graham cracker pie shell.
Bake for 15 min. Remove from oven and place on cooling rack. Allow to sit 10 min. before refrigerating.
Chill several hours or overnight.
Optional: Add to sparkling clean mixing bowl, preferably metal,
1 pint organic, heavy whipping cream
1 Tbsp. 10x powdered sugar, if desired. (I like mine unsweetened.)
Whip cream rapidly by hand or with mixer, until soft peaks form.
If not using immediately, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate.
Just before serving, top pie with whipped cream.
Oatmeal Pie Crust
I found this on an old, yellowed index card, in my mom’s handwriting, when I went through her recipes. I don’t remember her ever making it. What a gift for Bill, who’s gluten-free! See how many ways you can find to use this like you would use a graham cracker crust, but better!
Equipment Note: A food processor or Vitamix-type blender is used for this recipe.
Depending on how high your pie will get when finished, allowing for whipped cream or meringue, you may want to purchase an Eco-foil pie pan with a plastic cover.
Into the bowl of your food processor or carafe of your blender, place:
1 c. gluten-free rolled oats.
½ c. brown sugar.
½ c. flaked or shredded coconut.
Pulse until ingredients resemble a fairly fine meal. Add:
⅓ c. melted butter – OR – 1/3 c. melted coconut oil
Continue to pulse until all ingredients are evenly mixed.
Press into bottom and sides of a 9 inch pie plate. Cover with plastic wrap or lid to the pan. Chill.
And a special hint for you, friends…this pie is great for breakfast, with a cup of dark roast coffee and some of your delicious whipped cream. An actual beach is optional, but quite nice!