WOW KEY LIME PIE ENJOY DAN:

                KEY LIME PIE WITH MERINQUE TOPPING by CHEF DAN:

Makes 1 pie    (key limes from the KEYS, also known as MEXICAN OR WEST INDIAN limes)

                         (available in stores in the spring)

FOR CRUST:

1-1/4-cups graham crumbs from 9 (2-1/4-inch by 4-3/4-inch) crackers

2 tablespoons sugar

4 tablespoons butter, melted

FOR FILLING:

1 can (14oz) sweetened condensed milk

4 egg yolks

1/2-cup key lime juice

1 tablespoon finely grated lime zest

1/2-cup heavy whipping cream

MERINQUE TOPPING:

3-4 egg whites

5 tablespoons sugar

1/2-teaspoon cornstarch

Pinch of sea salt

MAKE CRUST:                          (PRE-HEAT OVEN TO 350 DEGREES)

Stir together graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and butter in a bowl and with a fork combine well.

Then press mixture evenly onto bottom and up side 9-inch glass pie plate.

PREPARATION:

Whisk together sweetened condensed milk, with the egg yolks, until smooth.

Stir in whipping cream and lime juice and  lime zest.

Pour into pie plate, and bake for 15-20 minutes.

MERINQUE PREPARATION:

In a glass bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form.

Combine sugar, cornstarch, and salt, gradually beat into egg whites. Beat until no longer gritty (with sugar).

In pre-heated oven of 350 degrees bake for 12-15 minutes or until Martinique is brown.

ENJOY DAN:                                 BON-APPETITE!!