Atlantic Beach Pie

                                                 Atlantic Beach Pie

Atlantic Beach Pie is a delicious and simple dessert that originated from the coastal region of North Carolina, particularly from the town of Atlantic Beach. It's a tangy and refreshing pie that combines the flavors of a lemon pie and a key lime pie. The key ingredient that sets this pie apart is the addition of saltine crackers in the crust, which adds a unique and salty contrast to the sweet and tangy filling.

Here's a classic recipe for Atlantic Beach Pie:

Ingredients: For the crust:

• 1 1/2 cups finely ground saltine cracker crumbs (about 1 sleeve of saltine crackers)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

For the filling:

• 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 4 large egg yolks
• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 lime

For the whipped cream topping:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

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3. In a medium bowl, mix the finely ground saltine cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.

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5. Press the crumb mixture into a 9-inch pie dish, making sure to evenly distribute the crust along the bottom and up the sides.

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7. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.

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9. While the crust is cooling, prepare the filling. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, lemon juice, lime juice, lemon zest, and lime zest until well combined.

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11. Pour the filling into the cooled crust and spread it out evenly.

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13. Bake the pie for about 15 minutes or until the filling is set.

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15. Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours or overnight to chill and set.

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17. Before serving, prepare the whipped cream topping. In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.

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19. Spread the whipped cream over the chilled pie.

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21. Optionally, garnish the pie with additional lemon and lime zest for added flavor and presentation.

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23. Slice the pie and serve chilled. Enjoy the tangy and creamy goodness of Atlantic Beach Pie!

This pie is perfect for hot summer days or any time you crave a refreshing and unique dessert.