TEQUILA KEY LIME MERINGUE PIE

Tequila Key Lime Meringue Pie image

Provided by Lynette !

Categories Pies

Time 1h20m

Number Of Ingredients 18

1 1/2 c graham cracker crumbs
6 Tbsp butter, melted
1/3 c sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp kosher salt
8 large egg yolks (save 4 egg whites for meringue, use the others to make an egg-white omelet!)
2 can(s) sweetened condensed milk, 14 oz
3/4 c key lime juice
2 Tbsp lime zest
1 Tbsp tequila
3 Tbsp cold water
1 1/2 Tbsp cornstarch
2/3 c boiling water
4 large egg whites
1 1/2 tsp cream of tartar
1 c sugar
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/8 tsp kosher salt

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Stir together the first 5 ingredients; firmly press the mixture on the bottom and up the sides of a lightly greased 9 1/2 inch deep-dish pie plate.
3. Bake 15 minutes or until lightly browned. Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely. (about 30 minutes)
4. Whisk together the egg yolks and the next 4 ingredients in a large bowl; pour the mixture into the cooked crust.
5. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until set. Cool completely on a wire rack (about 1 hour).
6. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
7. Whisk 3 tablespoons cold water into the cornstarch in a 1 qt saucepan; whisk in 2/3 cup boiling water. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, 1 minute or until a thick gel forms. Remove from the heat; cool completely (about 30 minutes).
8. Beat 4 egg whites and the cream of tartar at medium-high speed with a heavy duty electric mixer, using the whisk attachment, until foamy. Gradually add 1` cup sugar; beat until glossy, stiff peaks form. Beat in the vanilla and salt. Slowly beat in the cornstarch mixture. Beat in 3 minutes.
9. Spread the meringue over the cooled pie, and bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes or until the meringue is golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack, and cool completely for about 45 minutes. Serve at room temperature or chill 8 to 24 hours.