Simple Desserts In Less Than 30 Minutes

Key Lime Pie with Strawberries

Everyone has a little "Betty Crocker" inside of them. Your Betty may not be as knowledgeable as the home cooks' pseudo kitchen coach, but she surely has as much ingenuity as the dame synonymous with baking.

Don't believe me? Try making this simple recipe for Key Lime pie.

Ingredients: 1 graham cracker pie shell, 1 can of Key Lime pie filler. 1 container (16 oz or so) of whipped cream. Optional: Fruit or lime slices to top.

Instructions: Mix (with a spoon) the pie filler and about 1/3 of the whipped cream until blended. Pour the mixture into the pie crust. Cover and let cool in the freezer for at least 5 hours. When ready, top with garnish or fruit then serve.

Hmmm, you think. I know. I thought the same thing. But I gave it a try because truth be told I don't like Key Lime Pie. I've had it twice -- both were made using the longer more involved recipes -- and I did not like it.

But I really wanted to give this popular pie another chance. I reasoned perhaps the bakers were not up to snuff. And because a relative had given me the pie filler, which he said was pretty good, I decided to try making the pie myself. I also reasoned that perhaps the can-made pie might be tastier.

Well, no such luck. I'm still no fan of the Key Lime pie. It has nothing to do with the pie, which came out perfect. It was smooth and firmly molded. I've come to accept the fact I just don't like Key Lime pie.

But what I do like about this pie is it's incredibly easy to make, which makes it perfect for parties and last-minute gatherings whether you like Key Lime or not. You can set your "Betty" loose with this easy dish and be the toast of the event. Wink.

More longer Key Lime pie recipes:
Lagasse's recipe
All Recipes