Lemon (Not-Meringue) Pie with Cardamom and Chocolate

When I was growing up, my grandfather's favorite pie was lemon meringue. I love lemon. Loooove it. But I don't not love meringue. Bleh. I wish I did- I try to like it. I eat it and I always think I will like it, but in the end its just whipped egg whites like usual. This pie is a little different from the typical lemon pie, so its a fun one to bring to a pot luck or holiday dinner.

Crust:

2 1/2 cup graham crackers, crushed
1/2 tsp salt
4 tbs unsalted butter, melted
2 tbs brown sugar

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Press into a pie pan, making sure to cover the bottom and the sides. Bake for 15 minutes on 375. Take out to cool. Turn the oven down to 325.

Filling:
Juice of two large lemons (make sure to keep the zest)
14oz sweetened condensed milk
4 egg yolks
2 tbs all purpose flour
1/2 tsp cardamom
2 tbs sugar

Whisk together all ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Pour into the pie crust and bake for 20 minutes. Take it out of the oven and let it cool completely. I would let it sit in the fridge for at least an hour before moving on to the next step.

Not Meringue:
2 cups heavy whipping cream
Zest of two lemons
4 tbs powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp cinnamon

Whisk the heavy cream until firm peaks form. Slowly add the sugar and lemon zest. Then slowly add the rest of the ingredients. Pipe decoratively or spread onto the completely cooled pie.

Garnish with dark chocolate shavings or sauce and serve.

Key Lime Pie- Lime Custard Pie with White Chocolate Flakes

OMG, I know.  Today I am a piggy, because I can't stop thinking about desserts.  Ha.  Oh well.

Here is another recipe, this time LIME instead of lemon.  I like this pie because the layers are so different: Salty, tart, then sweet.  It's the perfect combination.

Crust:

3 cups graham crakers, crushed.
1 1/4 tsp salt
3 tbs unsalted butter, melted

Combine all ingredients in a food processor and pulse until crumbly.  Press into a nine inch pie plate.  NOTE: This crust should be thicker than a normal graham cracker crust.  It should also be less sweet.

Bake on 350 for 15 minutes

Custard:

1 14oz can sweetened condensed milk
2 tbs flour
4 egg yolks
5 tbs lime juice
zest of three limes

Mix all ingredients in a large bowl.  Pour into the crust.  Bake on 350 for about 10-15 minutes, or until the filling is not runny and barely starting to brown.  Cool for at least one hour.

Topping:

1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 tbs vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract (Mexican Vanilla is the best for this recipe)

Whip together both ingredients until fluffy.  Spread over COOLED pie.

Top with grated white chocolate (this I had at a restaurant in Portland, I thought it was amazing!) and lime slices.  Serve chilled.

Pardon this closeup.  My dad (yes, my very mature dad) was giving this pie bunny ears.  Unfortunately, it's the only photo I have of it.  Oh well!