Lime-Marshmallow Pie

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Generously butter a 9-inch (23-cm) pie plate.

   Step 2

   To make the crust, in a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or in a bowl by hand), mix together the whole wheat flour, cinnamon, ginger, and 1/8 teaspoon salt on low speed until combined. Add the 5 tablespoons (2 1/2 ounces/70 g) chilled butter pieces and mix on medium speed (or cut them in with a pastry blender) until the butter is in very small pieces about the size of grains of rice. Mix in the honey until the dough is smooth.

   Step 3

   Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet and pat it into a circle about 1/8 inch (3 mm) thick. Bake until the cracker is golden brown and slightly firm to the touch, about 15 minutes. Let cool completely.

   Step 4

   In a food processor fitted with the metal blade, process about three-quarters of the cracker to fine crumbs, or crush in a sturdy plastic bag with a rolling pin. Measure 1 1/2 cups (180 g) crumbs into a small bowl. (You can snack on the rest of the cracker.)

   Step 5

   Add the 2 tablespoons (30 g) sugar and 3 tablespoons (1 1/2 ounces/45 g) melted butter to the cracker crumbs in the bowl and mix until evenly moistened. Pat the mixture evenly into the bottom and halfway up the sides of the buttered pie plate. Bake just until set, about 10 minutes. Let cool completely.

   Step 6

   To make the filling, in a medium nonreactive saucepan, whisk together the lime juice, 1/2 cup (100 g) sugar, pinch of salt, eggs, egg yolks, 6 tablespoons (3 ounces/85 g) butter, and the lime zest. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and the edges just barely begin to bubble. Don’t let it boil. Pour the mixture through a mesh strainer into the crust. Bake until the filling is just set, about 8 minutes.

   Step 7

   Remove the pie from the oven. Position a rack in the upper third of the oven and increase the oven temperature to 450°F (230°C).

   Step 8

   To make the topping, in a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin evenly over the 1/4 cup (60 ml) cold water and allow it to soften and swell for 5 minutes.

   Step 9

   In a small saucepan fitted with a candy thermometer, heat the remaining 1/3 cup (80 ml) water with the corn syrup and 1/2 cup (100 g) sugar over medium-high heat. When the sugar syrup reaches about 210°F (99°C), in a stand mixer fitter with the whip attachment, start whipping the egg whites. When the egg whites are frothy and the syrup temperature has climbed to 245°F (118°C), increase the speed to high and, with the mixer running, slowly dribble the syrup into the whites, being careful to avoid pouring hot syrup on the beater (the beater will fling the syrup onto the sides of the bowl, where it will stick).

   Step 10

   Scrape the softened gelatin into the still-warm saucepan used to make the sugar syrup and stir until melted. With the mixer running, slowly drizzle the gelatin into the egg whites. Add the vanilla and continue to beat until the mixture is cooled to room temperature, 5 to 10 minutes.

   Step 11

   Using a spatula, spread the topping over the filling, creating swirls and billowy peaks. Bake until the topping is golden brown, 2 to 4 minutes.

   Step 12

   Serve at room temperature or chilled.

2. Storage

   Step 13

   The graham cracker crumbs can be made up to 2 weeks in advance. The lime filling can be made up to 4 days in advance, and chilled.

3. Variation

   Step 14

   You can also use store-bought graham crackers for the crumbs in the crust; you’ll need 1 1/2 cups (180 g) crumbs. If you don’t want to make your own marshmallow topping, top this pie with 2 cups of whipped cream (page 239).

4. tip

   Step 15

   To cut clean slices of the pie, use a sharp serrated knife dipped in warm water and wiped dry after each cut.