TWD: Creamiest Lime Cream Meringue Pie

Tuesday, 08/25/09 at 5:33 PM

Lime pie is one of those desserts I never cared about. I always thought that it was too unsophisticated, made of instant pudding flavored with some-kind-of-pretend-citrus and smothered with frozen whipped cream, yikes! The brownie monster, however, always orders the lime pie when it's available on the menu. I never understood why until I had a taste of it at AJ's Seafood and Poboys about a couple of weeks ago. It was pretty kick ass, or at least the one I had there. But then again, everything I ever had at AJ's is very good, plus Bill the bartender and the rest of the crew there are awesome! Anyway, I am pretty psyched on trying my hand at my first lime pie, and the best Lime Cream Pie Recipe at that!

Still Tuesday, 08/25/09 at 10:57 PM

I hate to make excuses, but it's the end of the month, a.k.a. psycho-days at work, so I am running a little behind on my baking. Seems like my TWD will be Tuesday and Wednesday with Dorie this week! I'm halfway done though. The cream is 'chillin' like a villain' in the reefer right now. I will wake up early tomorrow, make the pie crust, whip the meringue and assemble the pie.

Mise en place was a breeze (so is clean-up). It took me almost 15 minutes to get the temperature to 180 degrees F. I used two strainers on top of the other since I do not want any of the zest to be in my finished product. As what Thomas Keller says, "When in doubt, strain".

Wednesday, 08/26/09 at 11:26 PM

Verdict: According to the Cookie Monster aka Lime-Pie expert, the pie lives up to its name as Creamiest Lime Pie ever! Between us, we finished one and a quarter of a 5-inch tartlet pan serving.

The meringue did not come out as good, aesthetically, as what I am used to, but nonetheless, it still tasted good. I enjoyed the "torching part" the most, LOL!

To Linda of Tender Crumb, awesome choice of recipe. I was so inspired with your story! To all TWDers, great job! To all my readers, thanks for stopping by as always.
Playing Around: I substituted 1/4 of the graham cracker with almond meal. It gives it a nuttier taste which I love.

For recipe, check out Dorie Greenspan's Baking from My Home to Yours or Linda's blog.