Avocado Key Lime Pie

Once in a while, I will come across recipes (either from cookbooks or other blogs) which make such big impressions on me that I wouldn't be able to stop thinking about them (not in an obsessive kind of way of course!)

That's when I add these recipes to my stickies labelled 'Must make soon' on my desktop. (Mac's stickies are great for my never-ending lists!) 

So the other day I came across such recipe when I was reading Deborah's Taste and Tell where she interviewed Jenny of Delightful Delicacies. Jenny shared that her favourite recipe on her blog is this...

Avocado Key Lime Pie.

Strange. Intrigued. Must try. Oh and love the green!

I couldn't wait to try it out because not only have I never had a key lime pie before but it has avocados in it which are in season right now. I know the normal key lime pies has a lot of eggs, condense milk and sometimes cream. This recipe has none of that stuff (though I still do want to make the original version one day). Just the simple avocado, lime, coconut oil and some honey/maple syrup. I was also so intrigued about the recipe because in her post, Jenny mentioned that you'd never know that the main ingredient is avocado! 

How cool is that? Using wholesome ingredients to achieve the same creaminess and yummy factor! Definitely the kind of recipe I like to experiment with!

I do avoid buying an ingredient for a recipe in which I know I will only ever use once (and after that, the said ingredient will live the rest of its life in my pantry until its end of life...or until I do a pantry spring clean). In this case, it's the coconut oil. I've hardly ever come across recipes which calls for coconut oil. So how do I justify myself in buying this especially the ones I could find in my area are super expensive. 

That's when I remembered watching a show ages ago about coconut boil being used as a beauty product! It is great for your skin and hair (or so says all the coconut oil makers...)

My hair is definitely dry and brittle these days from the crazy Melbourne weather...getting the coconut oil would help me in not just in the stomach compartment but also the hair as well! Perfect. (I'm not sure about smearing this on my face yet...let's just start with the hair first).

Oh and apparently coconut oil is great for treating head lice and hair loss as well...so if you have one or both of these problems, I'd recommend that you run to the shops to get this oil...and make this pie as well of course!

Ok the moment of truth - taste test. This avocado key lime pie most definitely does not taste like it has avocados in it! It is lime-y/tangy and deliciously creamy. It tastes like a tropical island...with a hint of coconut fragrance. I love how the hazelnut and pecan crust adds such a contrast to the smooth filling.

So go make it if you have those extra avocados lying around. You won't regret it!

Avocado Key Lime pie
from Delightful Delicacies
Serves 4 (I halved the recipe)

• 4 1/2 ripe avocados
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 2/3 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
• zest of 2 organic limes
• 4 to 6 Tablespoons coconut oil, melted **
• a few slabs of young coconut meat (optional)
• large pinch of salt
• healthy dash of vanilla

hazelnut and pecan pie crust

• 1/2 cup of filberts (hazelnuts), finely chopped
• 1/2 cup of pecans, finely chopped
• 2 Tablespoons agave nectar, honey or maple syrup
• 1 Tablespoon coconut oil, melted
• 1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• dash of vanilla
• pinch of nutmeg
• pinch of salt

1. Combine chopped nuts, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt in a bowl. Whisk together melted coconut oil, agave and vanilla, add to nut mixture. Press into pie plate. Bake about 10 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (~176C). Allow to cool completely before adding pie filling.

2. Combine all ingredients in a good blender or food processor, blend until creamy and smooth. (I don't have a food processor so I used a potato masher :P) 

Avocados with lime zests

3. Pour into this pie crust, and serve immediately topped with a little bit of toasted coconut or rice whipped cream, yum!

Jenny's notes:

If you want it to firm up a bit before serving, let it sit in the refrigerator for a little while before serving. 

** If you are adding the coconut oil be sure it is melted, then as everything is blending pour it in a constant stream. Let the pie chill for a bit as the coconut oil will solidify and help the pie to be a little thicker.