California Avocado Lime Pie with Meringue
California Avocado Lime Pie with Meringue Recipe - Authentic USA Delight
Introduction
This California Avocado Lime Pie with Meringue is a unique and delicious dessert that combines the creamy texture of avocado with the tangy flavor of lime. The meringue topping adds a light and fluffy finish to this decadent pie.
History
The combination of avocado and lime in a pie may seem unconventional, but it is actually a popular dessert in California where avocados are abundant. This recipe puts a twist on the traditional key lime pie by incorporating creamy avocado for a rich and velvety texture.
Ingredients
Avocado Lime Pie
- 1 pureed california avocado with 0.5 cup of fresh lime juice (about 5 limes)
- 1.5 cups of sugar
- 0.33 cup of cornstarch
- 0.25 tsp of salt
- 1.5 cups of water
- 4 lightly beaten egg yolks
- 1 tbsp of grated lime peel
- 1 baked pie shell (9 inches in diameter)
- Meringue (recipe given below)
- Meringue Recipe
- 3 egg whites
- 0.5 tsp of vanilla
- 0.25 tsp of cream of tartar
- 6 tbsp of sugar
How to prepare
- In a saucepan, blend together sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually stir in water.
- Stir and boil over medium heat for 0.5 minutes.
- Gradually beat half of the hot mixture into egg yolks, then return to the saucepan.
- Stir and boil for 1 minute longer.
- Remove from heat and stir in lime peel.
- Blend in avocado puree and turn into a pie shell.
- Top with meringue and bake in a 350°F (moderate) oven for 10 to 15 minutes until brown. (9-inch pie)
- Allow to mellow at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
Meringue Preparation
- Beat egg whites, vanilla, and cream of tartar at medium speed for 1 minute, or until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add sugar, about 1 tbsp at a time, beating at high speed for 4 minutes, or until mixture forms stiff, glossy peaks and sugar is dissolved.
- Immediately spread over pie, carefully sealing the edge to prevent shrinkage.
Variations
- For a dairy-free version, use a dairy-free pie crust and omit the meringue topping.
- Add a splash of tequila to the filling for a margarita-inspired twist on this pie.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to use ripe avocados for the best flavor and texture in this pie.
- Be careful not to overmix the meringue, as this can cause it to become dense and lose its fluffy texture.
- Allow the pie to cool completely before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this pie chilled with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of lime zest on top for a refreshing and indulgent dessert.
Cooking Techniques
Be sure to bake the pie shell before adding the filling to prevent it from becoming soggy.
- When making the meringue, make sure the bowl and beaters are clean and free of any grease to ensure the egg whites whip up properly.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have fresh limes, you can use bottled lime juice in the filling.
- You can use a store-bought pie crust instead of making your own for a quicker version of this recipe.
Make Ahead Tips
This pie can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve. The meringue may deflate slightly, but it will still taste delicious.
Presentation Ideas
Garnish the pie with slices of lime or avocado for a beautiful and elegant presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
This pie pairs well with a glass of sparkling wine or a cup of hot tea for a delightful dessert experience.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers of this pie in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds or enjoy cold.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of this pie contains approximately 300 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of this California Avocado Lime Pie with Meringue contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of this pie contains approximately 15 grams of fat, primarily from the avocado and egg yolks in the filling.
Proteins
Each serving of this pie contains approximately 4 grams of protein, mainly from the egg yolks in the filling and the egg whites in the meringue.
Vitamins and minerals
This pie is a good source of vitamin C from the lime juice and avocado, as well as vitamin E and potassium from the avocado.
Alergens
This recipe contains eggs and may not be suitable for those with egg allergies.
Summary
This California Avocado Lime Pie with Meringue is a rich and creamy dessert that is high in healthy fats from the avocado. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, making it a delicious and nutritious treat.
Summary
This California Avocado Lime Pie with Meringue is a unique and flavorful dessert that is sure to impress your guests. With its creamy avocado filling, tangy lime flavor, and fluffy meringue topping, this pie is a delicious twist on the classic key lime pie.
How did I get this recipe?
The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a moth to a flame. It was a warm summer afternoon, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I turned the pages, my eyes landed on a page that featured a picture of a beautiful, creamy pie topped with fluffy meringue and garnished with slices of ripe California avocados.
I had never heard of a dessert made with avocados before, and I was intrigued. The recipe called for a graham cracker crust, a smooth and tangy avocado-lime filling, and a light and airy meringue topping. It sounded like the perfect combination of sweet and tangy flavors, and I knew I had to give it a try.
I read through the recipe carefully, taking note of each step and ingredient. The instructions seemed straightforward enough, but I had never made a meringue before, and I was a bit nervous about getting it just right. Still, I was determined to conquer this new and exciting dessert.
I gathered all the ingredients I would need – ripe avocados, limes, sugar, eggs, graham crackers, butter, and cream of tartar for the meringue. I set to work making the graham cracker crust, crushing the crackers into fine crumbs and mixing them with melted butter before pressing the mixture into a pie dish and baking it until golden brown.
Next, I turned my attention to the avocado-lime filling. I scooped out the ripe avocados and mashed them until they were smooth and creamy. I added freshly squeezed lime juice, sugar, and eggs, and blended everything together until it was well combined. The mixture had a vibrant green color and a refreshing citrus scent that made my mouth water.
As the pie baked in the oven, I prepared the meringue topping. I whipped egg whites and cream of tartar until they formed stiff peaks, then gradually added sugar until the meringue was glossy and thick. I carefully spread the meringue over the top of the pie, creating soft peaks with the back of a spoon.
I watched anxiously as the pie baked, the meringue turning a golden brown color and the filling setting into a creamy texture. When it was finally done, I removed it from the oven and set it aside to cool. The pie looked beautiful, with its fluffy meringue topping and silky green filling.
I couldn't wait to try a slice of the California Avocado Lime Pie with Meringue. I cut into it carefully, the meringue giving way to reveal the smooth and creamy avocado-lime filling. I took a bite and was instantly transported to a tropical paradise – the creamy avocado and tangy lime flavors melded together perfectly, creating a sweet and refreshing dessert that was unlike anything I had ever tasted before.
I was thrilled with how the pie turned out, and I knew that this recipe would become a favorite in my collection. I had learned to make California Avocado Lime Pie with Meringue from a simple recipe in an old cookbook, but it had quickly become a treasured dish that I would make again and again for my family and friends.
From that day on, whenever I made this pie, I would think back to that warm summer afternoon when I discovered the recipe that had captured my heart and taste buds. And as I shared this delicious dessert with my loved ones, I would always remember the joy and satisfaction that came from creating something new and exciting in my kitchen.
Categories
| American Recipes | Avocado Recipes | Egg Yolk Recipes | Fruit Pie Recipes | Hass Avocado Recipes | Lime Juice Recipes | Lime Recipes | Meringue Pie Recipes |