Key Lime Yumminess

So I've taken a break from blogging and Internet life in general, so what better way to get back into the swing of things other than to post another delicious recipe. I love this recipe, it's pretty easy to make, and goes over very well with people who love sweets, and those who don't.

Ingredients

1/2 cup fresh lime juice (12 to 15 key limes - depending on size)
4 teaspoons grated lime zest
4 egg yolks
1 - 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
1 large pack digestive biscuits or something similar. (butter biscuits basically)
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
5 tablespoons butter, melted

**For the pie I just made, I substituted the eggs yolks for eggs whites. It really made the mixture fluffier, I definitely think I'll use egg whites from now on.**

Directions

• Preheat oven to about 170 Celsius.
  
• Start with the lime zest, and take the zest off of around 5 limes. Then cut your limes in half, and juice them into your cup. Strain out the bits and the pips.
• In a medium sized bowl, whisk together the eggs and the lime zest until the mixture is greenish.
• Add the condensed milk and juice, mix together well. Sit this mixture aside.*note, I also added a pinch of ginger and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon just for a little extra zing*
  
• Crumble your biscuits. I find the easiest way to do this, is stick them in a ziplock bag, then using a rolling pin crush them. It keeps them consistently crumbled. Plus, it's a great stress vent ;).
• In a separate bowl, mix together your biscuits and sugar. Again for this pie I tweaked it slightly, and only used one tablespoon of white granulated sugar, and two tablespoons of brown sugar. It adds a lovely taste to the crust.
  
• Add the melted butter to your biscuits, and mix together until well mixed and slightly sticky. sometimes a few drops of water are needed :).
• Press the biscuit mix into a pie pan (roughly 9 inches), and up the sides for the crust. Make sure you spread it evenly. It's easiest to start from the center and press out towards the sides.
  
• Bake your biscuit mix in the oven for 10-15 minutes, until slightly browned. Remove from oven and let cool to room temperature.
  
• Once your crust has cooled, pour in your lime mixture. Return to the oven for about another 15 minutes, until the center is solid, but wobbles like jelly.
  
• Remove from oven and let cool to room temperature. Once cooled, stick in the fridge for about 3 hours until cooled and set. (we usually can't wait that long lol, so I stick it in the freezer).

If you want, whisk up some whipped cream, and voila! A perfect treat sure to suit the very sweet tooth, or the not so sweet tooth!

My lessons in 2009

Well it's that time of the year again. Another year has come and gone, and we bid farewell to the decade of the naughties. God only knows what this next decade has in store for us, but from the general atmosphere of things, it seems that people are excited for what this new year has to offer. In the spirit of this time of year, I figured that rather than detail my resolutions (because lets be honest - who sticks to those after January??), but to lay out a few of the vital lessons that I learned during 2009. Who says you stop learning once you leave school?

I have learned...

...that in order for others to take you seriously, you must first take yourself seriously. This comes to both your professional and personal life.
...that friends come and go. That out of some of the old friendships, a new and more fruitful one will blossom.
...that sometimes time really is the only thing that will change things, including a dogs nervous peeing habit. :p
...that you should never make yourself a priority when people make you an option.
...that sometimes your friends really do know best, even if it sounds like a harsh word, really all they have is your best interest at heart.
...that finding someone who you can be completely yourself around is better than thousands of false people.
...that Delta airlines and JFK are on my hitlist.
...that you don't realise how important it is to make time for yourself until you actually make time for yourself.
...that baking is one of the best ways to relax and unwind.
...that it doesn't matter how many times you tell yourself "I'm over it," it's not until you stop saying it that you really are.
...that some of the best times you spend with the people you love are not out and about partying it up, but the times that you sit down and enjoy each others company.
...that Cairo can be an unforgiving place, but if you stop and watch the world go by, one of the most magical places to live.
...that Hurghada is my new found paradise.
...that karaoke is awesome.
...that friendships can still survive despite long distances, if you are willing to put the time and effort into them that they deserve.
...that finding your soulmate is the most rewarding experience.
...that stressing over the little things only causes them to become bigger, and you find yourself swallowed up by the insignificant details.
...that having a job that pays you well but leaves you miserable is never worth it.
...that reading is important. It's easy to get too lazy to read, but it's really one of the best ways to let your imagination soar.
...that falling asleep next to someone you love means that you can sleep well through the night.
...that as much as you may sometimes argue with your family, there's never any replacement for them, they offer you unconditional love.
...that I love home cooked Egyptian food (thanks baby ;) )
...that I was very lucky during 2009, so here's hoping that 2010 is just as good!

To all my friends and family, and especially to the man who has helped me to realise the good inside of all of us - and reminded me of my sensitive side, thank you for making 2009 a great year. I know we can make 2010 even better, and I can't wait to document all the shenanigans here!