1930s Key Lime Pie 3 Ways Recipe History And Origins

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Jan. 13, 2021

he story of the key lime pie is a tough one to tell. Mostly because since the end of WW2 this pie has become the cornerstone of the identity of the Florida Keys, and their trade in tourism. The Key Lime Pie recipe is steeped in mythology and mystery - probably because up until the mid 1930's the Key Lime Pie Recipe was just another mundane pie. It ranked well below other types of pies at the county fairs in Florida, and other styles of pie were regularly featured in books and newspapers. These are the 3 earliest dated, documented, published, key Lime Pie Recipes that we can find.

Ingredients

1935 caribbee colony key lime pie:
Lime juice 1/2 Cup (8 tbs)
Sweetened condensed milk 1 Can (10 oz)
Eggs 3
Sugar 2 Tablespoon (for filling)
Sugar 6 Tablespoon
1935 mack’s place key lime pie:
Eggs 3
Lime juice 1/2 Cup (8 tbs)
Sugar 1 Cup (16 tbs)
Hot water 3 Tablespoon
Salt 1/2 Teaspoon
1933 tropical chiffon lime pie:
Condensed milk 1 Can (10 oz)
Evaporated milk 1/4 Cup (4 tbs)
Egg yellow 3
Lime juice 1/3 Cup (5.33 tbs)

Directions

For Making 1935 Caribbee Colony Key Lime Pie:

1. Squeeze and strain juice from Key Limes, beat egg yolks and sugar until thick, add lime juice and condensed milk.

2. Blend and pour into pan lined with graham cracker crumbs and butter.

3. Make a meringue of egg whites and sugar, beat until it stands in peaks and cover filling.

4. Bake at 325ºF 15 minutes, chill before serving.

For 1935 Mack’s Place Key Lime Pie:

1. Beat egg yolks until very light, add lime juice, salt, hot water and half the sugar.

2. Cook in double boiler until thick.

3. Whip egg whites stiff, add sugar and fold into egg yolk mixture.

4. Pour into pastry shell and bake in a moderate oven (350ºF) until brown.

For 1933 Tropical Chiffon Lime Pie:

1. Butter 9” pie tin heavily.

2. Sprinkle graham cracker crumbs about ¼” thick for crust, pressing crumbs well up on sides of pan.

3. Pour in uncooked custard and cover with meringue, using 3 egg whites and 3 Tbsp sugar.

4. Brown in moderate oven and allow to set for one hour before serving.

SERVING:

Serve & Enjoy!

Recipe Summary

Difficulty Level: Easy
Servings: 4