Atlantic Beach Pie

Of course there's a story with a pie titled Atlantic Beach.
It comes from Crook's Corner Restaurant in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Many people claim that it's the best pie they've ever eaten. Every Seafood Restaurant in the South served this pie.
It has a filling similar to Lemon Meringue or Key Lime Pie, but it's the crust that makes this a special pie. The crust is dense, thick and salty which balances the sweet / tartness of the filling.

Crust:

1 1/2 sleeves of Saltine Crackers
9 TBS  Butter, softened
3 TBS Granulated Sugar

Filling:

1 (14oz) can of Sweetened Condensed Milk
4 Egg Yolks
1/2 C of Lemon Juice ( Lime Juice can be used too).
Whipped Cream and Sea Salt for garnish.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
1 - 8" Pie Pan

Crush the crackers with a rolling pin or place them in a large zip lock bag and crush with your hands. Crush them finely but not to "dust".

In a mixing bowl:
Cracker Crumbs
Butter
Sugar
Mix until it resembles a dough like texture.
Press evenly into the Pie Pan.
Chill the Pan for 15 minutes.
Bake the crust for 18 minutes. It will be golden brown.
Remove to a cooling rack for 30 minutes.
Prepare the filling.

In a mixing bowl:
Sweetened Condensed Milk
Egg Yolks
Whisk well.
Whisk in Lemon Juice.
Whisk well.
Pour filling into the crust.
Bake at 350 for 16 minutes.
Remove from the oven and cool for 30 minutes on a cooling rack.
Top the pie with Whipped Cream and sprinkle with Sea Salt.
Refrigerate and serve cold.


Enjoy!
Peace in the Kitchen!