Mickey's Favorite Key Lime Pie

Nothing says summer to me, like citrus.  The sweet, tart flavor can brighten even the coldest Utah winter day.  If you've been to Utah during the winter season you know that the air is not crisp and clean, it may be crisp, but it is not clean.  We spend a lot of time inside because the air quality is so poor.  We can escape the pollution, or inversion as it is referred to here, and visit my parents in the country, but that doesn't happen often enough. 
So, we get creative...  I tend to do a lot of that anyway... and find ways to bring summer into our house.  We are lucky to have south facing windows that allow a lot of sunshine and warmth to come in each morning and afternoon.  Because of the light that comes in we are known to gather in the spots that get the most sun and lay on the floor in the sun and read together or play games.  It is not the beach by far, but it does help to get through the long winters.

Of course food is another way we transport ourselves from winter to a more desirable climate.  Key lime pie is a favorite, it is quick, easy, and we typically always have the ingredients in the pantry and fridge.  This particular recipe comes from the Disneyland/Disney World cookbook.  My mom picked it up years ago when we were visiting Disneyland and this recipe has become our "go to".

Mickey's Favorite Key Lime Pie
1 can sweetened condensed milk,
4 egg yolks
6 tbsp key lime juice (I like to use one lime and the zest from that lime and use the key lime juice to get the 6 tbsp, it gives it a little more intense lime flavor)
prepared graham cracker crust or shortbread crust

Preheat oven to 250 F.  In a medium bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, and egg yolks.  Slowly add the lime juice and stir until well blended.  Pour the mixture into the prepared crust, and smooth out the top with a spatula.  Bake for 20 minutes.

Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack before transferring to the refrigerator. 

Cut in slices and top with whipped cream if desired.  Sit back, close your eyes and pretend you are on the beach with the sun warming you while you enjoy your pie.