Key West, FL - Frequently Asked Questions w/answers
Rob Miracle
Archive-name: music/jimmy-buffet/key-west
_________________________________________________________________
KEY WEST, FL
Frequently Asked Questions w/ Answers
May 8, 1996
_________________________________________________________________
Table of Contents
1. -- Welcome and General Information
2. -- Current Events (snicker snicker snicker)
3. -- Key West, an Overview
* Where is Key West?
* How big is Key West?
* What is the population of Key West?
* What is the Conch Republic?
* What is Cayo Hueso?
4. -- JB and his activities in the Keys
* Where is Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville Cafe?
* What's Margaritaville's food like?
* Does Jimmy live in the Keys?
* What is the Coconut Telegraph?
* How do I reach the Coconut Telegraph?
5. -- Visiting the Keys
* Is Key West a Resort?
* Where is a Good/Cheap place to stay?
* What should I do while I am in the Keys?
* Besides JB, who are some other celebrities in Key West?
* What/When is Fantasy Fest?
6. -- Important Addresses and Numbers
7. -- Electronic Key West
* Overview of Ethereal Key West
* Key West and its outer spoke on the Web
* Gotta check your e-mail on vacation eh?
* Information Superhighway... Heard of the Seven Mile Bridge?
8. -- Key Limes and Key Lime Pies
_________________________________________________________________
0. Welcome and General Information
This FAQ is published every two weeks in alt.answers and news.answers.
This FAQ was written to answer the frequent questions regarding about
Key West, Florida that appear in NetNews postings. The intent of this
article is to provide accurate information regarding the Keys. This
FAQ is available from rtfm.mit.edu. WWW users can point their favorite
viewer to: The Key West FAQ Page (http://members.aol.com/KeyWestFAQ/).
This FAQ makes no attempt to answer questions regarding JB or his
music. For answers to those questions, see the FAQ titled
"alt.fan.jimmy-buffett" Part 1 and Part 2. They are posted to
alt.fan.jimmy-buffett about once a month.
Disclaimer
I'm not paid by anyone listed below to promote them. I am not
attempting to market or advertise any establishment listed in this
FAQ. I will try to keep this information as accurate as possible;
however, information does change from time to time, and I can't be
responsible for errors that may occur. Please send any corrections or
comments to r...@mpgn.com. Questions regarding the recipies at the
end should be directed to Kim Dyer at 2132...@msu.edu. Fins Up!
CHANGES SINCE LAST UPDATE:
* Continual changes to Electronic Key West
_________________________________________________________________
1. Current Events (snicker snicker snicker)
* Nutin' goin on....
_________________________________________________________________
2. Key West, an Overview
Where is Key West?
Key West is the last island in a chain of islands extending southwest
of Miami FL that one can drive to. Key West is 159 miles SW of Miami
and 90 miles north of Havana. To get to Key West, upon arriving at
Miami, jump on US1 south, and drive!!! Optionally, you could fly into
Key West International Airport (EYW). It is serviced by Comair:The
Delta Connection, USAir Express, American Eagle, and United Airlines
via Gulfstream International. Key West is further south than Nassau,
Bahamas. (BTW: Key West, FL is at 24.55 N 81.82 W for those with
GPS's).
How big is Key West?
The island is quoted by several sources as being either a 1 mi X 3 mi
island, or 2x4, or 3x5. The differences vary depending on if some
adjacent islands are included, such as Stock Island, Fleming Key, and
Dredgers Key.
What is the population of Key West?
Just as the size of the island changes, so does the population. The
1990 Census listed the population of the City of Key West as 24,832.
The population for the entire Keys (not all of Monroe county) is
listed as 78,024. (Source: Key West Citizen -- Florida Keys Almanac,
August 1994 derived from the 1990 Census).
What is the Conch Republic?
In 1982, the US Border Patrol placed a road block on US1 just before
one crosses over into Key Largo for the purpose of catching drug
traffic, illegal aliens, etc. Traffic jams to and from the Keys built
up in large proportions. Tourism basically died off. Several folks got
together and formed the nation of "The Conch Republic", and seceded
from the Union. The Conch Republic instantly surrendered to the United
States and requested $1 Million in foreign Aid. The publicity stunt
was successful in ending the road blocks. But to not let a good thing
end, the Conch Republic Flag still flies in the skies above the Keys.
Conch Republic passports are also issued.
What is Cayo Hueso?
Cayo Hueso is Spanish for "Island of Bones". When Ponce de Leon first
arrived at Key West, the island was littered with bones from the
Indians who had lived here. The term "Key" is most likely an
Anglicization of Cayo. It isn't clear if "West" is derived from Hueso
(pronounced way-so) or if the term "West" has to do with the
geographical location of Key West.
_________________________________________________________________
3. JB and his activities in the Keys
Where is Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville Cafe?
Jimmy Buffett's Margritaville Cafe & Gift Shop
500 Duval St.
Key West, FL 33040
Drive down US1 until you get to Key West, turn right (staying on US1
on Roosevelt Blvd., which will eventually turn into Truman Ave. Turn
right on Duval (after passing MM1). Then go about 5 blocks. The
Cafe/Store will be on your left.
What's the food like?
As with any restaurant, they have their specialties, and their
weaknesses. They have their good days and their bad. If you are a
Buffett fan, then you have to go there just out of principle. Main
menu attraction: "Cheese Burger in Paradise"
Does Jimmy live in the Keys?
He owns a house in Key West, however his primary residence is reported
to be split between Nashville, TN and West Palm Beach, FL.
What is the Coconut Telegraph?
The Coconut Telegraph is the official News Letter for JB. You can
subscribe to it by writing or calling. There is a small fee, but like
any thing else the terms are subject to change.
How do I reach the Coconut Telegraph?
The Coconut Telegraph
424 Fleming St.
Key West, FL 33040
(305) 292-8402
_________________________________________________________________
4. Visiting the Keys
Before I start answering these questions, there is a small amount of
commentary that must be stated. Key West, and the Keys are a most
wonderful place. They are so wonderful because of the natural habitat
of the area.
[Rob places a soap box out on the deck, and stands up on it. He
clears his throat, and begins to speak in his best TV Evangelist
voice. As the sound waves approach your ears, you remember that a
shark fin holding two beer cans is strapped to his head!]
Our Coral Reef is one of the best on the planet to explore, but it is
very fragile. Just touching the reef can cause measurable damage to
the local ecological system. Captains and boat owners who run their
boats aground on the reef pay enormous fines for the damages. Respect
the reef, the coral and other life out there. Look. Don't Touch.
Throwing trash in our waters is even more damaging. Large fines are
assessed to those caught littering the ocean. The fish you eat is
caught in our local waters. Remember that before you let a friend toss
a piece of trash into the water.
As you drive through the Keys, remember that many endangered and
protected species live here. The most noticeable is the Key Deer. When
you approach Big Pine, speed limits drop and they are STRICTLY
ENFORCED. You would really hate to spend your vacation in our jails
for hitting one of the deer. As a side note, even at the speed limits,
driving through Big Pine requires care. I was driving the required 35
MPH or less, when I rounded one curve. Two Key Deer were standing in
the median. I slowed down, but as I passed the deer, one bolted.
Luckily for me, the doe bolted the other way. Even though I was
obeying the law, it could have all been over in the bat of an eye!
Enough of the commentary!!!!!
[Rob gets off of the soap-box, places it in a safe place, sips his
Margarita, and continues to field questions]
Is Key West a Resort?
No! Hilton Head Is. SC is a resort. Key West is a small town where
people work and live. People are born here, and live here all their
lives. There are schools, and car dealers, and other things that a
small town would have. Key West's main industry is tourisim, but the
island is not littered with time-shares and golf-courses. It is a
peaceful sub-tropical fishing village.
Where is a Good/Cheap place to stay?
There are too many places and they change their rates too often to
keep track of. The best bet is to get a AAA Tour Book of Florida or
call the Key West Chamber of Commerce (305-294-2587). There is an 800
number that one can call (800) FLA-KEYS. It is reported to be the
Chamber of Commerce, possibly out of Key Largo, that provides
information on all the Keys.
You can also check out some of the commerical web sites listed in
section 6 of this document.
What should I do while I am in the Keys?
In a David Letterman Style Top 10 List:
10. Rent a bike and ride around the island.
9. Visit the various museums and touristy places, such as Mel Fisher's,
The Key West Lighthouse, East & West Martello Forts, Fort Jefferson,
Fort Zachary Taylor, etc.
8. Bake at the Beach During the day/Party your brains out at night on
Duval Street.
7. Jet Ski/Wave Runner/ParaSail/WindSurf or other similar activities.
6. Visit famous spots, such as Margaritaville Cafe, Kelly's (Kelly
McGillis' place), Sloppy Joes, Hemmingway House, Audubon house, etc.
5. Take either the Conch Tour Train or Old Town Trolley Tour.
4. Go Deep Sea Fishing or take another cruise/party boat.
(Please support "Catch and Release". If your not going to eat it,
let it go!!)
3. Scuba/Snorkel at the Reef
(Remember... Look, don't touch!!!!)
2. Sunset at Mallory Square
(This is an ABSOLUTE MUST!! You miss this, you've missed Key West,
and best of all.... It's Free!!!!!)
1. Rest and Relax.
No matter what you do, when you get here, park your car, and rent a a
Scooter or bicycle. There is little or no parking downtown, and
parking can even be hard to find at the beaches. You will get where
you are going just as fast, and you won't have parking problems.
Besides JB, who are some other celebrities in Key West? (and the Keys)
Since I suspect that famous people like privacy, addresses will not be
given out. Besides JB, Kelly McGillis owns a restaurant called
Kelly's. Madonna supposedly owns property in Key West. Dennis Conner's
"Stars and Stripes" runs daily cruises out of Lands End Marina. Dan
Marino is trying to bring a sports bar to Key West. Other famous
people include Boog Powell, Kurt Russell & Goldie Hawn, Jim Neighbors,
and the late John Hersey.
What/When is Fantasy Fest?
Fantasy Fest is an annual festival held in the streets and
establishments of Key West. The Festival is best described as Key
West's Mardi Gras. There are parades, wild costumes (to no costumes),
music, dancing in the streets and so on. Fantasy Fest is held the last
week of October, with the main events happening on Friday and Saturday
of Halloween Week. Each year the Fest has a theme. The 1995 Fantasy
Fest was held Oct 22 - Oct 28. The 1995 theme was "Tinseltown Dreams
... Lights, Camera, Fantasy" which drew another large crowd. Over
50,000 people showed up for the Saturday evening parade. The 1996
theme is "Call of the Wild".
The 1994 Fantasy Fest lived up to everyone's expectations. The
estimate for the Twilight Fantasy Parade was over 55,000 people lining
Duval and Whitehead. The crowd was the densest between Sloppy Joe's
and Maragritaville with some locations so packed with people that the
float that I was walking with had trouble getting down the street.
Fantasy Fest is protected by trademark and is the property of the Key
West ATD and is used with permission.
_________________________________________________________________
5. Important Addresses and Phone Numbers
The Key West Chamber of Commerce
Old Mallory Square
Key West, FL 33040
(305) 294-2587
(800) FLA-KEYS (maybe Key Largo, but covers all the Keys)
The Key West Citizen (Newspaper)
3420 Northside Dr.
Key West, FL 33040
(305) 294-6641
_________________________________________________________________
6. Electronic Key West
Overview of Electronic Key West
Key West, for being a back water community is rapidly grasping the
information age. At last count, over 200 America Online subscribers
had stuck the words Key West in their profiles. This represents a
small amount of the folks in Key West with some form of net access.
The biggest boom of recent has been web access. More and more Key West
information is appearing on the web (whats new...)
Between the ever growing popularity of the net and online services,
Key West is growing along with it. Cable is promising 500 channels of
digital interactive TV to Key West by 1996. The Monroe county
goverment is moving to using technology to manage the county,
including video conferencing.
Key West and its outer spoke on the Web
Key West and the Keys has started appearing more frequently on the
Web. Here is a list of Web Sites that you can browse for more
information about our little get-away.
Editorial In fact, this boom of Key West Information on the web has
gotten too big to keep track of. There are probably one or two new
entries in the Yahoo What's New each week. Many of them are via one
one of the links below, such as Discover Key West. So I will add major
sites, and unique sites in the future, but putting every hotel and bar
in here as they come up will be a real pain.
Key West Paradise
http://www.keywestparadise.com/
This sight is rapidly growing and is probably the best source
of information for visitors to the keys.
Discover:Key West
http://key-west.com/
This site is a very good site for vistors to get information
about Key West, places to stay, places to eat, etc.
Margaritaville
http://key-west.com/margaritaville
This is a Jimmy Buffett FAQ, so I better include a link to
Margaritaville.
Parrot Head Weddings
http://key-west.com/services/phwedd.htm
Want to get married? Want a JB flavor to it? Check out this
page.
CyberConch
http://discover.key-west.fl.us/services/cyberconch/cyberc.htm
Brooks White, author of in the Solaris Hill Newspaper has an
electronic version of his column available.
Key West, FL Frequently Asked Questions w/Answers
http://members.aol.com/KeyWestFAQ/
This document is of course avaiable via the WWW. It can be
found on several other web sites.
Jimmy Buffet Page
http://www.uic.edu/~toby-g/parrot.html
This was the first page to offer the Key West FAQ and is an
execellent page on JB.
The Guide to South Florida
http://infoguide.com/
Information Guide for South Florida, and another home of this
FAQ.
Barefoot Bob's
http://www.ior.com/~eeclarke/barefoot.html
This is a fun loving bar with a strong Greatful Dead influence.
Adios Charters, Marathon
http://tpa.cent.com/charter.html
Charter your own fishing excursion from the Web
Historic and Geographic Information about the Keys (nicely done)
http://rossi.arc.miami.edu/mmedia/keywest2/keys.htm
Florida Internet Commerce Center
http://www.florida.com/keys/keys.htm
Not a lot yet, but has good potential.
Probably the best site to check for information about places to
stay while you are here.
Cyberspace to Paradise
http://www.florida-keys.com/flakeys/
This page contains info on the Keys. Its kinda new, but will be
a cool page.
Key Net
http://www.key.net/
Key Wests first public web server and Internet Service/Presense
Provider
The Complete Key West Vacation Guide
http://www.travelbase.com/keywest/
America Online/Travel/Destination Florida/Florida Keys
Keyword: The Keys
While not a web site, it is still of electronic interest.
Gotta check your e-mail on vacation eh?
Ok, so you couldn't leave that lap-top at home. Had ta come to
paradise and drag your work problems with you. Well, I suppose I can
help ya reach the real world. Don't know why you wanna though....
Key West has two data network providers. Tymnet and CompuServe. Tymnet
has both 9600 bps and 2400 bps speeds. However, America Online
customers can only access AOL at 2400 baud from Key West. CompuServe
has recently added dial up service at 1200, 2400, 9600, 14,400, and
28,800 bps in Key West. CIS also offers Internet access via PPP,
though you do have to have a CIS account to access it. Prodigy is also
accessable via the Tymenet numbers.
As of Jan 15, 1996, BellSouth has graciously given Key's residents and
business a big gift. For resident lines, all calls to Miami are 25
cents, regardless of call length or time of day. Business rates still
acrue by the minute, but at a greatly reduced rate. This means you can
reach service providers in Miami for a quarter a call. Now to get that
ISDN line...
The Numbers are:
* (AOL) Tymnet 2400 -- 294-1573
* CompuServe 1200/2400 -- 294-4516
* CompuServe 2400/9600/14,400/28,800 -- 294-5979
Information Superhighway... Heard of the Seven Mile Bridge?
[Rob removes the Shark Fin Hat, w/ beer cans, sits down his now empty
Margarita, pulls a strand of Fiber Optic cable out of his pocket. He
begins to tap his foot quickly, frustratingly shaking the end of the
cable. You imagine that if light was actually travelling though the
cable, it might put on a nice show.]
154 miles to Miami. $3,800/month for a T1 (plus service). Information
Superhighway? Yea Right. Forget the Margarita, bring me a shot of
Tequlia.
[He puts the fiber optic cable away, puts his shark fin hat back on,
and slams the Tequlia shot.]
7. Key Lime Pie Recipes
Q. Is there a recipe for Key Lime Pies?
A. Oh yea!!! Thanks to Kim Dyer (2132...@msu.edu) for her efforts
in collecting these recipes.
**************************************************************************
(Editor's comment: I would REALLY recommend calling Key West Aloe
telephone +1 305 294 5592 or 800-327-5866 and ordering some juice
if you can't find it locally and you want to do this RIGHT. And
if you are actually IN the keys, you can occasionally buy REAL Key
Limes from people selling them along the roadside. They look like
small, unhealthy lemons ... but taste WONDERFUL. In a pinch you can
use a mixture of 1/2 lemon juice 1/2 lime juice. Not as good, but
better then straight lime juice.)
*****************************************************************
Low-Fat Key Lime Pie
1 can Low Fat Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk
1 small container EggBeaters (2 eggs worth)
1/2 cup key lime juice
unbaked pie shell
Combine EggBeaters and the condensed milk. Slowly add the
key lime juice. Pour into prebaked pie shell. Bake at 400
degrees for 10 minutes.
*****************************************************************
Key West Power Squadron Key Lime Pie
1/3 - 1/2 cup key lime juice
4 eggs separated
1 can (14 oz) condensed milk
9 inch pie shell (pre-baked or graham cracker)
Combine milk and egg yolks. Beat with electric mixer at low
speed. Slowly add lime juice and continue beating until well
blended. Pour into pie shell. May top with meringue or
whipped cream and a little grated lime rind.
Refrigerate overnight
*****************************************************************
Key West Power Squadron - no egg Key Lime Pie
1 can condensed milk
1/2 cup key lime juice (approx.)
8 oz cream cheese
12 oz cool whip
2 prepared pie shells (pre-baked or graham cracker)
Blend milk and cream cheese until smooth. Add lime juice and
mix thoroughly. Add thawed cool whip. Pour into two pie shells.
Garnish with grated lime rind. Refrigerate 6 hours
*****************************************************************
Key West Woman's Club Heavenly Lime Pie
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/4 tsp cream of tartar
4 eggs, separated
1/8 tsp salt
1/2 cup key lime juice
1 pint whipping cream
Preheat oven of 275 degrees. Grease 9 inch pie tin. Mix 1 cup
sugar and cream of tartar. Beat egg whites until stiff. Add
sugar mixture and beat until blended. Spread mixture in pan.
Bake in middle of the over for 1 hour. Cool. Beat egg yolks
slightly with 1/2 cup sugar, lime juice and salt. Cook over
boiling water until very thick. Cool. Whip cream and fold
half of it into the lime mixture. spread in shell. spread
remaining cream over top. Chill for 12 hours.
*****************************************************************
Key West Women's Club Key Lime Pie Supreme
1 pound butter
4 cups sugar (plus 2 tablespoons)
12 whole eggs
12 separated eggs
2 cups key lime juice
4 baked 9" pie shells
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cream the butter and 4 cups of sugar.
Add 12 whole eggs and 12 egg yolks, 1 at a time. beat until smooth.
Add the lime juice. place mixture in pie shells. Bake 30-35 minutes
until filling is firm.
To make meringue, beat 12 room temperature egg whites with 2 table
spoons of sugar until stiff peaks form. Heap on pies and return to
oven until brown.
****************************************************************
Key Lime Pie (varient #1)
A. The Pie Crust.
For 9" crust
1 Cup Flour (Wondra if possible)
1/2 tsp salt
1/3 cup & 1 tbls crisco
mix together then add 3 tbls cold water
keep mixing
roll out dough on floured board, put in pie pan bake at pre heated 375
degree oven for 10 mins or until slightly brown
B. The Filling
1 1/2 cups sugar
Juice (Not from bottle) from 1 1/2 limes (Key Limes if possible)
grate out side skin of one lime
3 eggs
2 tbls corn starch
2 tbls flour
2 cups milk (yes milk)
1 tbls butter
mix together then cook in double boiler not direct heat or it will burn
keep stirring until thick, about 20 - 25 mins.
C. now the Merange
start with 2 tbls sugar
1 tbls corn starch
1/2 cup water
cook on direct heat until it thickens and gets clear
set aside to cool
Next
3 egg whites
3 tbls sugar
1/2 tsp cream of tartar
beat on high until smooth then add the stuff from above you set aside
beat some more on high until fluffy
NOW: Put pie filling in pie crust, put merange on pie bake at 300 degress
for 10 mins then at 350 until merange browns
Take out cool and enjoy.
*****************************************************************
Key Lime Pie (varient #2)
4 whole, large eggs - separated
14 oz condensed milk
1/2 cup key lime juice
2 teaspoons sugar
1/3 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 9 inch pie crust
Preheat over to 350 degrees. Beat the yolks in a bowl until
thick. Add condensed milk and beat until blended. Add lime
juice slowly, mixing well. Pour custard into pie shell.
Beat egg whites until stiff but not dry. Add sugar and cream
of tartar. Spread meringue on custard. Bake 15 minutes or
until golden brown.
*****************************************************************
Key Lime Pie (varient #3)
1 teaspoon unflavored geletin
1/2 cup Key lime juice
2 eggs, separated
1 tablespoon sugar
14 oz condensed milk
1 9" baked pie shell
Dissolve geletin in lime juice. In a separate bowl, beat the egg
yolks and 1/2 tablespoon of sugar until lemon colored. All the
geletin mixture and condensed milk. beat well. In glass or
metal bowl beat the egg whites and 1/2 tablespoon sugar. Folk egg
whites into egg yolk mixture. Pour into baked pie shell. Chill.
Sprinkle with grated lime peel if desired.
*****************************************************************
Key Lime Pie (varient #4)
1 tablespoon unflavored geletin
1/2 cup cold water
4 eggs, separated
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup lime juice
1/2 tsp salt
2 tablespoons Angostura bitters
grated peel of one lime
1 9" pie shell - baked
whipped cream for topping
Place geletin in the cold water and let dissolve. In separate bowl
beat together egg yolks, 1/2 cup sugar, lime juice and salt. Cook
in double boiler until mixture coats a spoon. Remove from heat.
Add geletin mixture. Add bitters and lime peel. mix until thick.
beat egg whites and 1/2 cup sugar until stiff peaks form. fold
into egg mixture. Pour into baked pie crust. Chill. Spread
with whipped cream before serving.
*****************************************************************
Key Lime Pie (varient #5)
3 eggs, separated
14 oz condensed milk
1/2 cup key lime juice
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1 9" baked pie crust
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Beat together egg yolks and
condensed milk. Add lime juice and beat until smooth. Pour
the mixture into baked crust. To make meringue, beat the
egg whites until stiff but not dry. Add the sugar, beating
constantly. Swirl on the top of lime custard. Bake until
meringue is golden brown.
*******************************************************************
Key Lime Pie (varient #6)
4 eggs, separated
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon gelatin
(dissolved in 1/2 cup ice water)
1/2 cup lime juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 baked 9" pie crust
Beat egg yolks until thick, add 1/2 cup sugar to eggs while beating
slowly. Andd salt, then lime juice, and beat well. Cook in double
boiler for 10 minutes or until thick. Transfer cooked mixture to
mixing bowl. Add gelatin, beat for 5 minutes.
Set aside to cool. Beat egg white until stiff, add sugar and beat
until you have a smooth consistency. With a wooden fork, beat in
egg white to the cooked mixture until all is well blended and there
are no lumps of egg white. Pour into a pre-baked pie shell, and
chill in refrigerator.
*****************************************************************
Yetta Nuther Key Lime Pie
Copyright (C) 1988 USENET Community Trust
Permission to copy without fee all or part of this material is granted
provided that the copies are not made or distributed for direct commercial
advantage, the USENET copyright notice and the title of the newsgroup and
its date appear, and notice is given that copying is by permission of
the USENET Community Trust or the original contributor.
This very easy custard pie originated in the Florida Keys in the 1800's
when fresh ingredients other than the local limes were hard to come by.
See the notes for information on some of the ingredients.
"One 8-inch pie" "One 20-cm pie"
"3" "eggs"
"14 oz" "condensed milk" "400 ml"
(one standard can)
"4 oz" "Key Lime juice" "120 ml"
"" "sugar"
"1" "Graham cracker pie crust"
1
Separate the eggs.
You'll be whipping the whites, so put them in a large enough bowl.
2
Combine the egg yolks, the condensed milk, and the juice, and stir
until thoroughly combined.
The acidity of the juice thickens the milk and eggs into a custard.
3
Add a pinch of sugar to the egg whites, and beat them until
stiff but not dry.
4
Spoon the custard into the pie crust and even it out.
5
Spoon the beaten egg whites on top of the custard and even it out so
it looks pretty.
6
Chill before serving.
If you like, run the pie under a hot broiler for a minute until the egg
whites are slightly browned.
(This is primarily for appearance, it doesn't affect the flavor much.)
Everybody in the Florida Keys seems to have a variant of this recipe.
It shows up on postcards, place mats, lime juice bottles, and guide
books.
Some people fold a little of the beaten
egg white into the custard to make it lighter. Some put sweetened whipped
cream on top rather than egg white.
Some use two or four eggs.
Traditionally, this pie is made from the juice of the Key lime, a small
yellow citrus fruit quite different from the larger and more familiar
Persian lime.
Key limes are very sensitive to cold and in the U.S. have never been
grown above the very southern tip of Florida.
Bad weather and disease have killed off so many of them that
the only remaining grove is a private one on one of the Keys, so you
cannot buy Key lime juice in the U.S. any more.
Key limes are still grown widely in South America and probably
elsewhere on other continents.
There is something called "Key West lime juice" sold in pint bottles
which everybody uses instead now, which seems to be regular lime
juice slightly concentrated.
It's widely available in Florida and occasionally elsewhere in the U.S.
It's also available via mail order from Key West Aloe,
telephone +1 305 294 5592 or 800-327-5866.
In a pinch, you can substitute regular lime juice, though it doesn't
produce quite the bright yellow custard that traditionalists like.
You may have to use extra juice, because Persian limes are less
acidic than Key limes.
**********************************************************************
KEY LIME CHEESECAKE PIE
Crust:
1/2 of 15-ounce package all ready pie crusts
1 teaspoon flour
Filling:
1 envelope Unflavored gelatin
1/2 cup lime juice
1 cup sugar
2 eggs, beaten
2 packages (3 ounces each) cream cheese softened
1/4 cup (1/2 Stick) butter or margarine, softened
1 cup whipping cream
1 1/2 teaspoons grated lime peel
Whipping cream, whipped, sweetened
Lime slices
Prepare pie crust with flour according to package directions for
unfilled one-crust pie using 9-inch pie pan (See Note). Generously
prick crust with fork. Bake in preheated 450-degree oven 9 to 11
minutes or until lightly browned. Cool.
To make filling, in small saucepan, soften gelatin in lime juice
5 minutes. Blend in sugar and eggs. Over medium heat, bring mixture
to a boil. Reduce heat. Boil gently 3 minutes, stirring constantly.
In small bowl, combine cream cheese and butter; beat well. Pour in
hot lime juice mixture; beat until smooth and well blended.
Refrigerate until cool, about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
In medum bowl, beat 1 cup whipping cream until stiff peaks form.
Fold in cooled lime juice mixture and lime peel. Spoon into cooled
pie crust. Refrigerate until firm, about 2 hours. Garnish with
whipped cream and lime slices. Store in refrigerator.
Makes 8 to 10 servings.
NOTE: To form starburst design, trim dough even with edge of pan.
Cut dough at about 1/2-inch intervals all around edges, making each
cut 1/2 inch long. Fold each square in half diagonally to form a
triangle, pressing lightly into dough to seal.
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Key Lime Cheesecake
1 1/4 c Graham Cracker Crumbs 2 T Sugar
1/4 c Butter or margarine, melted 1 t Grated Lime Rind
3 pk Softened Cream Cheese (8 oz) 3/4 c Sugar
3 ea Eggs 1 T Grated lime rind
1/4 c Key Lime Juice 1 t Vanilla Extract
2 c Sour Cream 3 T Sugar
1 ea Fresh Strawberries (Optional 1 ea Lime slices (Optional)
Combine crust ingredients and stir well. Press crumb mixture evenly over
bottom and up sides of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 5
to 6 minutes. Let cool.
Beat cream cheese until light and fluffy; gradually add 3/4 cup sugar,
beating well. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Stir in lime rind, juice and vanilla. Pour mixture into prepared pan.
Bake at 375 degrees for 45 minutes, or until set.
Combine sour cream and 3 tablespoons sugar; stir well and spread evenly
over cheesecake. Bake at 500 degrees for 5 minutes. Let cool to room
temperature on a wire rack; chill at least 8 hours. To serve, carefully
remove sides of springform pan. If desired, garnish with strawberries and
lime slices. Yield: one 9-inch cheesecake.
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Key Lime Cheesecake #2
1 8-ounce package cream cheese
1 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk
1 12-ounce container of frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 cup fresh lime juice (about 5 limes)
1 baked 9-inch pie shell
Lime slices and fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk and
whipped topping. Stir in the lime juice until blended and mixture is thick
and smooth. Immediately pour lime filling into pie shell. Pie can be served
at once, but for best flavor, chill for about 2 hours. Garnish with fresh
lime slices and fresh mint leaves if desired.