1/2 cup key lime juice, fresh if possible
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
1 to 2 teaspoons finely grated lime or key lime zest, divided
5 egg yolks
whipped cream or whipped topping, optional
1 graham cracker pie shell
Meringue (optional)
3 to 4 egg whites
6 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
dash salt
Preparation:
Whisk sweetened condensed milk with the egg yolks. Stir in whipping cream and lime juice. Stir in 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons lime zest. Pour into a prepared graham cracker crust and bake at 325° for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from oven and increase temperature to 350° if meringue is used. If you aren't making the meringue, cool the pie and top with whipped cream and a little lime zest just before serving.
Meanwhile, make meringue, if using. In a glass or stainless steel bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Combine sugar, cornstarch, and salt; gradually beat into the egg whites. Continue beating until egg whites no longer feel gritty (with sugar)when a little is smeared between two fingers. Spoon onto the hot pie filling, spreading to cover completely to the crust. Put back in the oven and bake at 350° until meringue is browned, about 12 to 15 minutes.