Florida Key Lime Pie

 Filling:

8 large egg yolks

2 – 14 ounce can of sweetened condensed milk

2/3 cup key lime juice

 

In a double boiler combine all ingredients and cook stirring constantly over low heat until reaches 160 degrees.  This takes about 10 minutes.  Pour into cooked 9” graham cracker crust. 

 

Meringue:

12 tablespoons sugar

4 egg whites

 

Beat egg whites until stiff, and then add 4 tablespoons of sugar and beat until glossy.  Then fold in 8 tablespoons of sugar.

**Whisking in a small amount of the sugar helps to set the egg whites and then the remaining sugar is folded in to retain the air you have beaten into the whites.  If you over beat it will liquefy and be thin. 

Spread the meringue on the filling to cover the edges of the crust.  To set the meringue place pie in a low oven of 275 degrees for 15 minutes or until colored.  Consistency should be like a marshmallow- firm to the touch but soft with a crisp coating.