Where we live, there is certainly no shortage of coniferous trees! We love bringing a twig of pine or spruce into the house in the winter to scent it up – they are a great addition to my simmer pot. And, what about eating them? Spruce tips are fantastic, and very good for you too. Spruce tip key lime pie is an absolute delight for the taste buds.
The combination of the refreshing spruce flavor with the tanginess of key lime creates a symphony of flavors that is simply irresistible. The infusion of spruce tips adds a unique twist to the traditional key lime pie, elevating it to a whole new level. Each bite is like a journey through a forest of flavors, with hints of citrus and earthiness dancing on your palate.
The vibrant green color of the spruce tips also adds visual appeal, making it an eye-catching dessert that is as beautiful as it is delicious. Spruce tip key lime pie is truly a culinary masterpiece that leaves you craving for more. Whether you’re a fan of key lime pie or a lover of all things spruce, this dessert is guaranteed to leave you wanting another slice. So, indulge in the enchanting flavors of spruce tip key lime pie and experience the magic for yourself.
This recipe excerpt is from Chelsea Green. Enjoy!
Nothing is quite as sweet as baking a dessert with ingredients you foraged for yourself. This spruce tip key lime pie recipe is simple, delicious, and sure to impress all your guests this winter.
The following is an excerpt from The Forager Chef’s Book of Flora by Alan Bergo. It has been adapted for the web.
RECIPE: Spruce Tip Key Lime Pie
Makes one 91/2- or 10-inch (26 cm) pie
This recipe offers another fun way to showcase the affinity spruce tips have with citrus.
This is a little different from traditional key lime pie, as it won’t be as tart, but it’s close, and the spruce flavor works really well with a simple graham cracker crust. Serve with stewed blueberries or your favorite fruit, and whipped cream.
Ingredients
Walnut Graham Crust
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup (150 g) sugar
- 1 1/4 cups (135 g) graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup (30 g) finely chopped black walnuts or regular walnuts
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
Filling
- 4 sheets silver gelatin, or 1 1/4 ounces (35 g) unflavored gelatin
- 2 cups (480 ml) heavy cream
- 1 can (14 ounces/397 g) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup (65 g) sugar
- Scant 1/2 cup (28 g) chopped fresh or frozen spruce tips, any papery husks removed
- A few generous scrapes of fresh lime zest, to taste
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) key lime juice or Persian lime juice
Process
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Place all the crust ingredients except the butter into the bowl of a food processor and pulse until mixed.
Melt the butter and pour it slowly into the food processor, pulsing just until the crumbs are evenly moistened and begin to stick together. Press the mixture into the pie pan, extending the crust up the sides.
Bake the crust for 12 to 15 minutes or until lightly browned. Allow the crust to cool while you prepare the filling.
Soak the gelatin sheets in ice water, then squeeze them dry. Warm half of the cream with the condensed milk in a saucepan, then add the gelatin and whisk thoroughly until just dissolved (you’ll want to purée it with a hand blender if you use powdered gelatin).
Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the remaining cream, salt, and sugar. Set the saucepan in a sink or bowl full of cold water and whisk the mixture until it reaches room temperature.
Pour the mixture into a blender, add the spruce tips, and purée for 30 seconds or so until well blended, then strain through the finest strainer you have. Whisk the lime zest and juice into the mixture well, which will cause the filling to thicken, then pour it into the crust and refrigerate until set, a few hours.
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