KEY LIME PIE W/ ALMOND CRUST

Key Lime Pie w/ Almond Crust image

Provided by Kimmi Knippel (Sweet_Memories) @KimmiK

Categories Pies

Number Of Ingredients 13

CRUST:
5 tablespoon(s) butter, melted
1 1/2 cup(s) graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup(s) almonds, slivered
FILLING:
1 - 14 oz. can(s) sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup(s) key lime juice
2 teaspoon(s) grated lime zest
2 large egg yolks (reserve whites if making meringue)
MERINGUE (OPTIONAL):
2 large egg whites
1/4 teaspoon(s) cream of tartar
1/4 cup(s) sugar

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
MAKE THE CRUST: Combine ingredients & pat down into a 9" pie pan. Bake for 5 - 10 minutes.
MAKE THE FILLING: In a medium bowl, combine the milk, lime juice & 1 tsp zest; blend in the egg yolks. Pour the filling into the crust. NOTE: If not making meringue, place in refrigerator for at least 4 hours to chill.
MAKE THE MERINGUE: Beat the egg whites with the cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in the sugar & remaining teaspoon zest until the mixture is stiff. Spread the meringue over the filling; spread it to touch the edge of the crust all around. Bake for 12 - 15 minutes, or until the meringue is golden brown.