Celebrating with Pie

I have so much to tell you. I couldn’t wait to write this post. But I had to think of the perfect recipe first. And then I got it. Key lime pie with silky meringue topping. Hands down my favorite pie. When something good happens and I want to celebrate with pie, this is the pie for me.

And something good did happened! We found our spot. The little corner of the world where our restaurant, Little Mac, will soon be a reality. I was losing hope for a while there, thinking we’d never find the right fit. But we did, and it feels like the glass slipper. The best part? We bought it. We’re going to own commercial real estate. And a restaurant. Can you believe it? Good, because I’m still waiting for someone to pinch me.
Little Mac: 400 40th Street Oakland, CA 94609

Here I am, stupidly attempting to photograph the inside of the building through the window. Obviously this didn’t work.

Our doors. Can’t wait till they open for the first time. Also can’t wait to take down the “for sale” signs.

A small glimpse of the inside, again through the window. As you can see, we’re starting with a blank canvas. Nothing but concrete and windows.

We are closing escrow in 30 days, and then it’ll be ours (cross your fingers nothing goes wrong). Maybe by then we’ll have plans in place, and begin construction shortly after. If we’re super lucky, we’ll open in October, but most likely November.

The lunacy we encountered before finding this space was astounding. Tell me, why do the craziest, greediest people own buildings in the most desirable locations? We almost signed on a spot in uptown Oakland. Right there on the hottest block in town (hey Oaklanders, you know where I mean). But we didn’t, because the landlord is insane. She lied about square footage, the price per month, wouldn’t guarantee us an extension, and put no ceiling on how much rent she could charge us. Pretty much wanted us to put our life savings into her building, and then kick us out. She warned us, saying “We’ll never win with logic,” and that “She always wins.” Apparently we also acted like first grade teachers. That’s right, teachers. I’m assuming she meant it as an insult.

Good riddance crazy lady.

Enough bitterness. Let’s talk pie. This is the Cook’s Illustrated key lime pie, made with the Italian Meringue they suggest for the Lemon Pie. I love any key lime pie recipe that doesn’t have heavy cream. Nothing against cream, but it doesn’t need it. No key limes though, so I guess that means this is just lime pie.

Since I was celebrating, this had to be over-the-top indulgent. That meant mounds of thick, fluffy, super silky meringue. Spin it in your stand mixer for 12 whole minutes, and try not to eat it all before piling it onto your pie. If you don’t have a torch, a quick stint in the oven gently browns and crisps the peaks while keeping the inside softer than a homemade marshmallow.

Anyway, soon Little Mac will have its own home on the web, along with a sleek logo, facebook and twitter pages and maybe even its own blog. I’ll keep you posted. But for now, celebrate with me, and eat some pie.

Key Lime Pie with Meringue Topping
Cook time: 1 hour   Adapted from Cook’s Illustrated

Lime Filling
4 teaspoona grated lime zest
1/2 cup lime juice from fresh limes (About 4 limes)
4 egg yolks
14 ounce can of sweetened condensed milk
Crust
11 graham crackers, processed to fine crumbs
3 tablespoons organic cane sugar
5 tablespoons melted butter
Topping
½ cup water
1 cup organic cane sugar
4 large egg whites
Pinch of salt
½ teaspoon cream of tartar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Whisk zest and yolks in medium bowl until tinted light green (about 2 minutes). Beat in milk, then juice. Set aside at room temperature to thicken.

Tagged as: dessert, homeroom