Great Key Lime Pie

Great Key Lime Pie Recipe - Vegan Caribbean Dessert

Region / culture: Caribbean | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 8 |

Vegan diet

Introduction

Key Lime Pie is a classic dessert that originated in the Florida Keys. This refreshing and tangy pie is a perfect treat for any occasion, especially during the hot summer months.

History

Key Lime Pie has been a staple in Florida cuisine for over a century. The pie is made with key lime juice, which is more tart and aromatic than regular lime juice. The recipe was popularized in the early 20th century when canned sweetened condensed milk became widely available.

Ingredients

1 (12.3 oz (349 g)) package of silken tofu
8 oz (227 g) of soy cream cheese
0.5 cup of key lime juice
2 tsp of freshly grated lime peel
2 (4 oz (113 g)) packages of Mori-Nu mates vanilla pudding mix (must be this brand--it's made to go with the tofu)
1 tbsp of liquid sweetener, to taste
1 x 9 inches baked pastry shell or (1 9 inches graham cracker crust)

How to prepare

Drain any excess water from the tofu.
In a processor or blender, blend the tofu, vanilla extract, and lime juice until creamy and smooth.
Add the remaining ingredients except for the crust and blend again until smooth.
Transfer the mixture to a bowl and beat on high speed with an electric mixer.
Pour the mixture into the crust and refrigerate for 2-3 hours or until firm.
The mixture will set up very firm and can also be used as a pudding or filling for tartlets in fancy desserts.
Serve the dish cold, either plain or with other desserts.

Variations

Use a gluten-free graham cracker crust for a gluten-free version of the pie.
Add a layer of meringue on top of the pie before baking for a classic Key Lime Pie variation.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use fresh key lime juice for the best flavor.

- Be sure to drain any excess water from the tofu before blending.

- Refrigerate the pie for at least 2-3 hours to allow it to set properly.

- Serve the pie cold for the best taste and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Key Lime Pie with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of lime zest for an extra burst of flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to blend the tofu mixture until smooth and creamy for the best texture.

- Beat the mixture on high speed with an electric mixer to ensure a light and fluffy filling.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use regular cream cheese instead of soy cream cheese if desired.

- Regular lime juice can be used in place of key lime juice in a pinch.

Make Ahead Tips

Key Lime Pie can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the pie with fresh lime slices or mint leaves for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Key Lime Pie pairs well with a cup of hot tea or a glass of iced tea for a refreshing dessert experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Key Lime Pie in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, allow the pie to come to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Key Lime Pie contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Key Lime Pie contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Key Lime Pie contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Key Lime Pie contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Key Lime Pie is a good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and wheat allergens.

Summary

Key Lime Pie is a delicious dessert that is relatively low in calories and high in Vitamin C. However, it does contain a moderate amount of fats and carbohydrates.

Summary

Key Lime Pie is a classic dessert that is perfect for any occasion. This recipe is easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy this tangy and refreshing pie with friends and family!

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory. It was a warm summer day, the sun was shining bright, and a gentle breeze blew through the open windows of my kitchen. I had just finished baking a batch of my famous blueberry muffins when I heard a knock on my door. I wiped my hands on my apron and went to answer it, wondering who could be visiting at this time of day.

To my surprise, it was my dear friend Margaret, a woman I had known for many years but had lost touch with recently. She had a big smile on her face and a basket of fresh key limes in her hand.

"Hello, my dear! I hope I'm not interrupting anything," Margaret said as she entered my kitchen.

"Not at all, Margaret. It's lovely to see you. What brings you here today?" I asked, curious about her unexpected visit.

"I heard through the grapevine that you are a master in the kitchen, and I need your help with something," Margaret replied, her eyes twinkling with excitement.

I chuckled at her flattery. "Well, I do love to cook and bake. What can I help you with?"

Margaret reached into her basket and pulled out a small piece of paper. "I recently came across this recipe for Great Key Lime Pie, and I thought of you. I know you love trying new recipes, and I thought you might enjoy this one."

I took the paper from her and read through the ingredients and instructions. Key lime pie was a classic dessert that I had never attempted before, but the recipe looked simple enough. I thanked Margaret for thinking of me and promised to give it a try.

As Margaret left, I couldn't wait to get started on making the key lime pie. I gathered the ingredients and followed the recipe to a tee, feeling a sense of excitement and anticipation building up inside me. The scent of freshly squeezed key lime juice filled my kitchen, and the mixture of tangy sweetness lingered in the air.

After the pie had baked and cooled, I took a small bite, savoring the flavors that burst in my mouth. The creamy texture of the filling, the zesty kick of the key lime juice, and the buttery graham cracker crust all came together in perfect harmony. I knew then that this key lime pie was something truly special.

Over the years, I perfected the recipe for Great Key Lime Pie, tweaking it here and there to suit my taste. I added a touch of vanilla extract to the filling for extra flavor, and I experimented with different types of graham cracker crusts, settling on a combination of butter and sugar that gave the pie a rich, caramelized finish.

I shared the recipe with my friends and family, who all raved about how delicious it was. They would often request that I bring my key lime pie to gatherings and potlucks, knowing that it would be a hit with everyone who tried it.

One day, my granddaughter came to visit me in my kitchen, her eyes wide with curiosity as she watched me prepare the key lime pie.

"Grandma, how did you learn to make this amazing pie?" she asked, her voice filled with wonder.

I smiled at her and patted her on the head. "Oh, my dear, it all started with a visit from a dear friend who brought me a basket of key limes and a recipe that would change my life forever."

I went on to tell her the story of how I discovered the recipe for Great Key Lime Pie and how it had become a treasured tradition in our family. My granddaughter listened intently, her eyes shining with excitement as she watched me finish the pie and place it in the oven.

As we sat down to enjoy a slice of the pie together, I knew that the recipe for Great Key Lime Pie would continue to be passed down through generations, bringing joy and sweetness to all who tasted it. And as I looked at my granddaughter's smiling face, I knew that the love and memories we shared in the kitchen would forever be etched in our hearts.