Margarita Key Lime Pie

Well... I'm not sure if "this" is going to amount to anything or not...

...and honestly, I feel a little silly sharing this...

But at the very least...

....you'll have a pretty awesome, unbelievably easy... Key Lime Pie recipe to make... 

It all started on Monday...just after 9 AM...

While watching the Today Show...Today's Take to be more exact, they mentioned wanting pies to be submitted for every pie-lovers favorite math/food themed day, March 14... otherwise known as
Pi Day in honor of the mathematical 3.14 ...

Not only did they want a pie...it turns out they wanted it to be inspired by the Today's Take Show.  In addition...a photo with your pie...

...a pie selfie...??

Yes... a pie selfie.....

...hmmmm.

and for a fleeting moment...

....the pie-selfie was a deal-breaker.



But I did it anyway.

I decided to make a margarita inspired key lime pie for three reasons...  

First, one of the hosts, Willie, mentioned key lime was his favorite.... Secondly... a key lime-esque pie just feels like a warm-weather sort of pie... and aren't we all craving a little sunshine and warm weather??  And finally, this pie is similar to one I entered in the fair last year...it's not too fussy, and easy to make and fun to eat...  (fun, not too fussy and easy to watch.... ) all similar qualities to the Today Show....  Plus...I could see this pie being shared with friends...it's a fun pie... and so are margaritas...both, better when shared with friends.

So without further adieu... the Today's Take inspired:

Margarita Key Lime Pie with a Pretzel-Graham Crust and Candy Sea Stars.

Margarita Key Lime Pie with 

Pretzel-Graham Crust and Candy Sea Stars

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Crust:

1 cup finely crushed graham crackers

½ cup finely crushed salted pretzels

2 TBS granulated sugar

6 TBS melted unsalted butter

In a food processor, finely chop the graham crackers and pretzels.  Add sugar and melted butter to combine. Mixture will resemble wet sand.  Pour into a 9-inch pie plate.  Using an empty drinking glass, lightly tamp down the crust, forming it to the bottom and sides of the pie plate.  Set aside.

Filling:

(1) 8-ounce softened cream cheese

½ Cup sour cream

¾ Cup key lime juice (If using fresh key limes, consider using a clean garlic press to make quick work of the tiny key limes.  Cut in half and then squeeze with press over a bowl.

(1) 14 ounce can of sweetened condensed milk

3 drops of green food coloring (optional)

Directions:

In a food processor, whip the cream cheese until light and fluffy with no lumps.  Add in sour cream, lime juice and sweetened condensed milk.  Continue to blend well until the mixture is smooth, silky and emulsified.

Pour mixture into prepared pretzel-graham crust.

Bake for 10 minutes on the middle rack of a preheated 350 degree oven.  The pie will set and be less glossy after the 10 minutes.

Do not brown the top of the pie.

Chill pie well, for a least 4 hours up to overnight.

Top with fresh whipped cream and candy sea stars for garnish.

Whipped Cream

½ pint heavy whipping cream

3 TBS powdered sugar

(If you really want a margarita-esque pie add a shot of triple sec to the cream before whipping -optional.)

On low speed of a mixer, whip cream sugar and optional alcohol if using.  After it thickens a bit, mix on medium high until thick if keeps shape.

Fill a piping bag fitted with a decorative tip and decorate edges of the pie.

Candy Sea Stars:

Using a candy mold (sea stars or other ocean themed shaped mold) Fill mold with melted white candy melts or almond bark.  Let chill for five minutes.  Once set, pop out shapes and decorate pie.  (Candy sea stars are a great make ahead garnish…simply keep in and air tight container until ready to use.

Candy molds are available in craft and baking supply stores. 

Candy melts and Almond bark: candy melts are available at cake supply stores and some craft stores with a baking section.  Almond bark is available in the baking aisle of most grocery stores.

So, tomorrow at 9 AM...we can all watch together to see if this pie gets its 15 seconds of fame.... and...let's hope they like it too...  oh, please...let them like it... oh please, let it not be a disaster...

...and if the pie is a no-show... at least we all had fun!!  ...and you now have an amazing dessert that is "green" just in time for St. Patrick's Day!!

Sharing Here:

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