"KeyLimes" news and stories

Most desserts seem to fall into one of three realms -- something frozen, something rich with chocolate or some sort of fruit pastry. But when these barriers start to dissolve, that's when the real magic happens -- like key lime fudge.

As one of those strange people who has always preferred fruity desserts to chocolate ones, I couldn't help but pick up key lime fudge on my recent trip to Key West. Unlike many chocolate-free fudges, this wasn't merely a thick, confectioner's sugar-filled treat, but something that balanced the creaminess of fudge with the tart key lime without relying on that all-too-familiar frosting flavor.

Experimenting at home, I've come up with the perfect recipe to replicate that fresh citrus flavor. It relies on white chocolate, which frees us from the throes of frosting flavor that the confectioner's sugar inevitably leaves, and it's quite easy to make.

Without a doubt, my biggest pet peeve when it comes to cooking is the rampant use of the phrase "key lime," even when no key limes are present. This agitation surfaced a little last month when I shared the Key Lime Dream ice cream, and I've been meaning to offer a little tutorial to do my part in ridding the world of this scourge.

First, I want to share what Key limes are NOT: They are not Persian Limes (the garden variety you pick up at the grocery store). These easy-to-find suckers are bigger, greener, thicker skinned, less aromatic, and contain less bitterness.

Now, with that out of the way, head through the jump to learn about Key limes.

On the Today show, Epicurious.com Editor Tanya Steel shows Hota Kotb and Kathie Lee Gifford how to make a simple key lime pie.

Even if you can make a key lime pie in your sleep, it's a fun video (even though they say to use pre-squeezed key lime juice if you can't find limes - eek! That's like using lemon juice instead of real lemons in lemon squares!) The taste just can't compare.

Well, the video is fine until good ol' Kathie Lee ruins the moment by first commenting on the amount of calories in the condensed can of milk (Steel smartly replies "Yeah, but who's counting calories?") and then likens the ingredient to colostrum (and Kotb remarks, "Buzzkill.")

Cook much, Kathie Lee? Yeesh - don't invite her over when you're making key lime pie. She'll totally ruin your appetite.