6/23/12

Key Lime Smackdown: The Tarts

Well, the best laid plans . . .

This evening was supposed to be the taste test for the Key Lime Smackdown.  Everything is ready, although I hadn't actually started cooking anything yet.  Then, my distinguished panel of testers flaked out on me.  Grrrrrrrrrr.  We're in the process of trying to make other arrangements for tomorrow evening.  Fortunately, the tarts can be made two days ahead, and so I'm still within the expiration date of the tarts.

I thought I'd get started by showing you what's happening with the tarts so far.  I made them yesterday.  First, the limes.

Clearly regular limes are larger than Key limes.


Key limes have more seeds.


It takes 22 Key limes to yield 3/4 cup of juice,


and 3 regular limes to yield the same amount.


The Key lime juice (on the left in these images) is thicker and less transluscent.  I believe this is because there was more pulp in the Key lime juice.


Also, the juice is a darker yellow in color.


The tarts look pretty much the same, but having worked with the limes, I can see that the tart on the left with the Key limes is slightly more yellow.  I would venture that it is more appetizing in appearance, although only slightly.


My thanks again to Dana from Stormy Days for sending me so many beautiful limes.  I used only about one-third of the limes to make my one genuine Key lime tart.  I squeezed the juice from the remaining limes and now I have enough juice to make two more tarts this summer.  Yum.  And let me tell you, squeezing approximately one hundred limes will make your fingers pruney, in case you were wondering.


So with that teaser, I'm hopefully optimistic that the taste test will happen tomorrow.  I was hopeful for a panel of at least three people, but if I can't put together a panel that quickly, it may be a panel of one.  That would be Mike.  For now, you'll just have to wonder what the outcome will be.  I know you're waiting on tenterhooks.  (I just love that word.)

15 comments:

Debbie said...

Yum! both look great....and my mouth is watering.

Dirt Road Quilter said...

Well I hope tenterhooks are comfortable if I have to wait on them! Those pies would not last a day around here. If you are a part of the taste panel and you don't show up, you are out of luck!

gpc said...

Okay, well, pardon me for shouting, but WHAT KIND OF PEOPLE DON'T HAVE TIME TO EAT KEY LIME PIE????? I means seriously, WHAT could be more important? I will be sitting here, with 'bated breath, trying to get a grip, while you gather your troops.

And yes, they do both look great.

BillieBee (billiemick) said...

I volunteer!.....grin.

mary mahoo said...

My mouth is watering looking at them. (Guess it wouldn't mail well though).

Needled Mom said...

I can't wait for the results. I like the taste of the Key limes better in my gin and tonics!!

Teresa in Music City said...

Well, my goodness! You'd think they'd be lining up at the door!!! I know I would be! Tell them to hurry up because these tenterhooks are getting a little sticky in uncomfortable places :*)

Irina said...

mmm...looks nice and yummy...

KatieQ said...

That's a lot of squeezing. I hope it didn't tire out your sewing arm. I can't wait to hear the results of the taste test.

sandyb said...

Oh my goodness - I would sitting at your kitchen table saying "more please" - they look wonderful. I really need to have me some key line pie.

Love the fingers too:)

Thank you for "sort of" sharing and can't wait to see who wins.

Dana Gaffney said...

Now you've got my mind whirling. I really didn't expect so much difference and it sounds like the regular limes are much easier to work with. Down here people get indignant if Key Lime Pie isn't yellow, I always assumed that a green pie was made with regular limes, now I see that's not true, so I wonder where the green comes from?

Jackie McGuinness said...

I always remember being at Disneyworld and we had key lime pie and then my husband went on the Spinning Cups and Saucers and turning green!!!

Barbara, I've just been looking through all your Irish posts and smiling as so many of your photos are the same as mine.
It made me homesick. We had planned to go to Ireland this summer for my "significant" birthday but instead are going to PARIS!!!

I am so glad that you enjoyed Ireland!

kc said...

No one said key limes weren't a lotta work, now did they? But they're soooo worth it!! I agree - WHO DOESN'T HAVE TIME TO EAT KEY LIME PIE? sorry for shouting, but I wanted them to hear me! :)

Be sure to eat it all up tonight - by tomorrow, they'll be watery & soggy and will not be the party-in-your-mouth that you've been anticipating.

Lynda Halliger Otvos (Lynda M O) said...

@Dana-food coloring makes it green just as food coloring makes lemonade pink. Does not change the flavor, just the appearance. Those who really know KLP can tell from ten paces by the color if in fact it's made with KLs or regular. Barb's Fab Fotografs show that color difference clearly.

If I leave right now, I can be there before you two can eat all that pie. I would love to help. please....
....

quiltzyx said...

That is a LOT of squeezing for less than a cup of juice! Sheesh! I can't believe your tasting panel flaked on you - silly geese!!!!

Onward to the taste test.....