by Kathy Taylor

Created on: May 17, 2009

What do country singer Kenny Chesney and the Caribbean island of Grenada have in common? Key Lime Pie!

After the Caribbean was pummeled by devastating Hurricane Ivan in 2004, respected actor and Grenada resident Morgan Freeman embarked on a fund raising campaign to help the island people restore their land. He enlisted the help of the many celebrities who call Grenada and neighboring islands "home" for at least part of each year to contribute their fame to this good cause. He asked for a recipe and story from each, and the resulting book, Morgan Freeman & Friends, Caribbean Cooking for a Cause, is a compendium of Caribbean favorites. Kenny Chesney's Key Lime Pie is featured along with recipes from Tom Hanks, Katie Couric, Ben Affleck and many more island lovers in the arts and entertainment community. To support this worthy cause, the cookbook can be purchased at

http://www.morganfreemanandfriends.com/uof/morganfre emanandfriends/ and also from www.amazon.com .

Key limes are small limes with a higher acidity and more seeds than their larger cousins. Their tartness is preferred for cocktails and desserts, but if you don't have access to them, the larger, regular lime will do.

Kenny Chesney's Favorite Key Lime Pie

Makes 8 servings

CRUST

1 cups (300 ml) Graham cracker crumbs

cup (60 ml) sugar

5 tablespoons (75 ml) unsalted butter

TOPPING

1 container (8 ounces [227 g] Whipped topping, thawed

FILLING

4 egg yolks

1 can (14 oz [420 ml] sweetened condensed milk

cup (120 ml) fresh lime juice ( 2-3 limes)

2 teaspoons (10 ml) grated lime zest

To make the crust: Preheat the oven to 325 F. (160 C)

In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Add the butter, stir with a fork until blended, and transfer to a 9" (23 cm) deep-dish pie pan. Press the crumgs with your fingers onto the sides and then the bottom of the pan, then press again with the bottom of a measuring cup to ensure a firm crust. Bake on the center oven rack for about 15 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool to room temperature.

To make the filling: Place the egg yolks, milk, lime juice and lime zest in a medium bowl. Using an electric mixer on high speed, beat for about 3 minutes, or until thick.

When the crust is cool, pour in the filling and spread it evenly. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the center is set but still jiggles when shaken. Let cool to room temperature, then cover with the whipped topping and topping and garnish with the lime slices. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or until well chilled. Enjoy!

RECIPE NOTES

Zest the rind of the limes before cutting and juicing.

Replace whipped topping with real whipped cream: Beat 1 cup of whipping cream until soft peaks form. Beat in a 2 teaspoons of sugar and teaspoon of vanilla.

Remember to tell this story each time you serve this most excellent and easy to prepare Key Lime Pie. It is both a treat for your guests AND an inspirational story .

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