FORT MYERS, Fla. — What constitutes the perfect dessert? Is it a balance of sweetness and tartness? Is it something that reminds you of childhood?
Could it be all of the above?
While the strawberry shortcake might be the “official dessert” of Florida, there’s no denying the true king of the “sweet life” in The Sunshine State: The Key Lime Pie.
There’s a long and contested history regarding the citrus-inspired treat. Ship salvagers and Key West cooks all lay claim to the original recipe containing a filling of condensed milk, egg yolks, and key lime juice baked into a graham cracker crust until tenderly set. Whether you prefer a meringue or whipped cream topping, Key Lime Pie is a staple on the Floridian menu.
THE WAR OF PIE
That’s why one Fort Myers man went out of his way to obtain his favorite post-dinner treat for his mother’s birthday. He took the custard creation and secured it in his refrigerator, which would remain until the big day.
He even warned another person in the residence, David Powelson, to please leave his mother’s edible present unsullied in the ice box.
But Powelson, drawn to the dessert reminiscent of a cartoon character, was losing all control to a pie in waiting.
On February 15th, around 5:00 p.m., the man slipped into a daze in his recliner when something caught his eye. Powelson wasn’t just eating his prized possession but was making sure there wasn’t even a crumb left behind.
“Why didn’t you just save me one piece?” The dejected man extolled to Powelson.
As the man’s blood began to boil over the disrespect shown to his key lime pie, he confronted David, and the two became embroiled in a war of words over the final course. In his attempt to de-escalate things, Powelson tried to “cool off” his heated opponent by dumping two large glasses of water all over the pie-less victim.
With that, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office was called, where the victim and Powelson each explained their side of the story, according to the arrest report. Following a brief investigation, Powelson was arrested and charged with battery on a person 65 or older.
THE PERFECT SLICE
So, what makes key lime pie irresistible for some? Some argue the acids in the key lime juice mix with the proteins in the milk to make a creamy, smooth custard filling that other desserts can’t reach. For others, it’s just delicious. Since 1957, Publix has made the dessert a staple in the bakery section and claims they have kept the recipe the same.
But you don’t have to go to the store or your favorite restaurant to have a slice. Here’s an easy-to-make recipe courtesy of Nellie & Joe’s Famous Key Lime Juice.
INGREDIENTS:
- 3 egg yolks (whites not required)
- 8 ounces of softened cream cheese
- 4-5 ounces Nellie & Joe’s Key West Lime Juice (more for tangier pie)
- 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 9″ graham cracker pie crust
METHOD:
Pour condensed milk into a blender. Add cream cheese gradually, in small portions, and mix until smooth. Add egg yolks and blend well. Pour in Nellie & Joe’s Key West Lime Juice and continue blending until the mixture is smooth. Pour the mixture into the graham cracker pie crust and bake at 350° for 10 minutes. After baking, let stand for 10 minutes before refrigerating.
For a zestier taste, prepare the pie a day before you need it. Top with freshly whipped cream and garnish with fresh lime zest.
Teddy Byrne
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