Friday, December 13, 2013

Key Lime Squares (with Pistachio Graham Cracker Crust)




I'm baaaaaack!  It's been a long time since I've posted.  My 6-month-old and almost-3-year-old seem to have a handle on the majority of my time lately. :)

This is a recipe I made for a luncheon with girlfriends in September.  The results were mouth-watering, and Martha Stewart can take every ounce of credit.  You may not love her or be into her style of doing things...but, man alive, the recipes that she publishes (whether they're her own or are the handiwork of her team)?  They're DELICIOUS.  And this one sealed the deal for me.

Crust:
4 TBSP butter (melted and cooled), plus more for the pan
2/3 c shelled pistachios
1 c graham cracker crumbs (8-10 full crackers, roughly)
1/4 c sugar
1 TBSP grated lime zest

Filling:
2 large egg yolks
1 can (14oz) sweetened, condensed milk
1/2 c fresh lime juice (I used bottled key lime juice, and you're gonna want to do the same!)

Preheat oven to 350°.

Cut a piece of parchment paper to about 8"x12".  Place into the bottom of a buttered 8x8 pan. (Martha says the butter holds it in place, and the parchment helps you lift them out.  And Martha?  She's right.) There will be a 2" overhang on 2 sides.

Grind pistachios, graham crackers, sugar, and zest in a food processor until finely ground.  Add (melted and cooled) butter.  Press mixture into pan and 1" up the sides.

Bake 8-12 minutes, or until slightly browned.  Cool 30 minutes.

For the filling, combine egg yolks and sweetened, condensed milk in a bowl.  Whisk until smooth.  Add lime juice (key lime, remember?) and whisk again until smooth.

Pour into cooled crust, carefully spreading to edges.

Bake until set, or about 15 minutes.  Cool in pan on rack.  Chill at least 1 hour before serving.

To cut, lift parchment paper (by the overhanging pieces) and transfer to a cutting board.  Cut into 4 columns and 4 rows with a serrated knife (I used a chef's knife, so don't tell.), wiping knife clean with a damp towel between cuts.

Makes 16.

Comments from the cook:  TRUST MARTHA.  These are mouth-watering.  Tangy and a little sour, with just enough sweetness to make you reeeeally want to be Martha's next-door neighbor. (Imagine the Christmas neighbor gifts!) :) 

I was tempted to forego the pistachios in the crust at the last minute because I didn't have any, but a friend had some on hand, and they were the perfect addition.

Originally found here.  Most text (including ingredient list) taken from her website.
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