Pepe’s Cafe Key Lime Pie
Medically reviewed by Christiana George Updated Date: June 8, 2023
Until Chris met me, he had never eaten a cherry tomato. Astounded upon learning this fact, I felt the need to remedy it immediately–he didn’t know what he was missing out on!—so I took him to the nearest Safeway where we bought a little prepackaged bagful. When we got back, I insisted he eat one straight away, right out of the package. I didn’t think one unwashed tomato would kill him, and I was sure he would fall in love straight away. Instead, he got food poisoning.
He has since let this incident go, which I think is very gracious of him considering the fact that I continue to guilt him into eating foods he has no interest in trying. I guess I have this underlying belief that I know better than him, at least in matters of the palate. That my refined tastebuds trump his any old day, that his will become elevated through my influence. Bombastic, sure, but we’re talking about a guy who didn’t eat his first cherry tomato until he was in college. Enough said, right?
I think I’ve mentioned that I dislike citrus-flavored baked goods, right? Besides this (like I said, Meyer lemons are in a league of their own), I’ve never met a citrus-y dessert that didn’t taste like a cough drop.
But last week, a bag of key limes fell in my lap, and I took it as a sign that it was finally time to tackle a classic that I’d never before tried: key lime pie. If you’d seen the limes, you, too, might have wanted to do something with them right away. They are so cute! Like toy dog versions of regular limes, except I know a lot of you don’t like toy dogs, and I normally can’t stand them either except I watched Seven Psychopaths recently and Bonny the shih tzu stole my heart.
I knew I was taking a major risk, but sometimes denial gets the better of me. After all, isn’t key lime pie a thing? Aren’t people fanatical about it? Maybe there was something more amazing than amazing about it that would sway my food prejudices.
Chris, on the other hand, took the realistic approach. “Don’t make it. You won’t like it, and I don’t want you to force it on me.”
I plowed ahead anyway. An afternoon later, the pie was ready.
I took it out of the fridge. It looked lemon-y. I smelled it. It smelled lemon-y. I started feeling uneasy.
In the end, with great hesitation, I ate a slice. It was… disappointingly citrus-y, tasting like every other citrus dessert I’ve ever eaten. But then, the flavor sort of, I don’t know, mellowed out, and distinguished itself. The lime emerged, cool, invigorating. It went fantastically with the graham cracker crust, a pairing that legitimized its taste. With whipped cream for the finishing touch, the whole experience was luscious but understated. The sugary-tart foretaste never diminished, unfortunately, but for a lot of you, that’s a good thing.
Chris’s turn. I showed him a bite to try, and his face twisted into simultaneous disgust, fear, and suspicion. It’s so hard to get one past him these days, I tell you! But he relented, and took a tentative bite.
“Do you like it?” I asked. “It’s not bad, right?”
“I don’t like it,” he said. And that was that.
In the end, even in the face of Chris’s rejection, I ate way more slices than I care to admit. I’m pretty sure you’d call that a breakthrough!
PEPE’S CAFE KEY LIME PIE
Adapted from Epicurious
Makes one 9-inch pie
Another reason I wanted to make this pie was because of this article. It’s fascinating! I love food history! Also, in case you’re wondering, Pepe’s Cafe is a cafe in the Florida Keys, quite an establishment I take it, that serves a very classic version of this pie. It’s always good to start with the classics.
Ingredients:
1-1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup sugar
3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground cardamom
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 large egg whites
4 large egg yolks
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup Key lime juice (I must’ve squeezed 20 of these suckers)
Whipped cream to serve
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Make the graham cracker crust: Combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, cinnamon, and cardamom in a medium bowl. Stir in the melted butter until well-combined. Press the mixture evenly in a 9-inch pie tin. Bake for about 10 minutes, until golden brown. Let cool and set aside.
Make the filling: In the bowl of a stand mixer with the whisk attachment, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the yolks and condensed milk. Add the lime juice and whisk until combined. Gently fold in about half of the whipped egg whites, then fold in the other half, stirring until just evenly combined.
Pour the mixture into the graham cracker crust and bake until set, about 20 minutes. Remove from oven, cool, then let cool further in the fridge for about 2 hours.
Serve with whipped cream if desired (whip together about 1 cup heavy cream, a few Tbsp powdered sugar, and a dribble of vanilla extract).
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Is It Okay to Take a Jello Shot? Here are Some Surprising Facts
We love jello because it is fun and delicious. Besides, it is also versatile for different types of recipes. But it is most popular as a school lunch item and a hospital treat.
People hardly think that jiggly food can be unhealthy in any way. Yet, if you want to eat it, you should ask yourself: “Is jello healthy to eat, especially on a daily basis?”
Though jello is low in calories, it isn’t very healthy. Besides being low in essential nutrients like protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals, it also contains artificial flavors, colorings, and sweeteners. While you won’t gain weight from eating jello alone, regular consumption can lead to several health issues.
As a dessert, you can enjoy jello occasionally, but it’s not advisable to eat it regularly. In this article, we’ll explore the components of jello, its ingredients, potential benefits and drawbacks, and appropriate consumption.
Is Jello Healthy?
You might think that no fat, few carbs, and some protein make jello a healthy dessert. However, jello is largely devoid of nutritional value, even though it is low in calories.
Its primary content is sugar, which in excess is harmful. Despite its various health benefits and lightweight texture, jello isn’t a healthy snack and should not be consumed regularly.
Sugar-free jello can be a better option than regular jello, but it should still be consumed in moderation. For a healthier snack, you can try the sugar-free version.
Jello made from agar, a great vegan option, offers better qualities and nutritional benefits.
Jello: Properties and Nutritional Components
Jello isn’t a natural food but is made from gelatin, a protein derived from animal bones, skin, and cartilage, mostly from cows. Collagen is extracted from these sources to produce gelatin.
This gelatin transforms into the translucent, flavorless food we love when it is flavored, colored, and sweetened for use in desserts.
Apart from being low in calories, jello is also free of fat, fiber, and vitamins. However, it does contain some carbs, proteins, and a significant amount of sugar.
Since gelatin comes from a protein-rich source, it is often perceived as nutritious. This perception explains why jello is commonly served in school lunches and hospitals.
Nutritional Composition of Jello
| Nutritients of Jello | Composition |
| Carbohydrate | 19g |
| Fat | 0g |
| Protein | 1.6g |
| Sugar | 18g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sodium | 101mg |
| Calorie. | 84. |
What is Gelatin Made Of?
Gelatin comes from collagen, which makes up parts of the body like tendons, bones, and skin. The process involves boiling, drying, and treating these materials with an acid or base to extract collagen, which is then dried and made into powder.
This powdered gelatin is dissolved in boiling water to make jello. During cooking, the collagen transforms into a semi-solid state, giving jello its gel-like texture.
Since gelatin is animal-derived, many people opt for jello made from agar, a plant-based alternative, making it vegan-friendly.
Gelatin vs. Agar Agar
| Parameter | Gelatin | Agar Agar |
|---|---|---|
| Amount for Jello | 8 teaspoons per serving | 1 teaspoon per serving |
| Texture Outcome | Thinner texture | Thicker density |
| Usage | Softer foods like mousse and panna cotta | Both desserts and savory dishes like soup |
| Origin | Animal-derived from bones, tissues, or skin | Plant-derived from seaweeds |
| Setting Time | Easier to set by mixing in warm water | Longer setting time by boiling with water |
Health Benefits of Jello
1. Aids in Weight Loss
Jello is lightweight and fat-free. The carbs and proteins can make you feel full if consumed in sufficient quantities, and it is very low in calories, helping you eat less and build less fat.
2. Offers Hydration
Collagen, essential for skin health, is abundant in jello. The protein and amino acids help maintain skin hydration, making it more elastic and preventing wrinkles.
3. Maintains Gut Health
The amino acids from collagen in jello protect the intestinal lining, preventing damage and inflammation. Even without fiber, jello can promote normal bowel movements and good digestion.
4. Controls Blood Sugar
Gelatin in jello contains the amino acid glycine, which helps regulate blood sugar levels and prevent spikes. Glycine supplements are also used to manage diabetes.
5. Strengthens Bones and Joints
Collagen helps keep bones and joints in good shape by increasing cartilage density, strengthening connective tissues, and preventing joint damage.
6. Source of Good Protein
Jello contains beneficial amino acids from gelatin, which improve health in various ways. Despite being low in overall protein, the protein it does contain is of high quality.
Is Jello Healthy for Weight Loss?
While jello is low in calories and fat-free, it isn’t ideal for weight loss due to its lack of nutritional value. You can try sugar-free jello as a weight loss aid, but the benefits will be minimal.
For effective weight loss, include foods in your diet that are low in fat, carbs, and calories but rich in vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.
Disadvantages of Jello
1. Bloating and Heartburn
For individuals with GERD, jello can cause acidity, leading to bloating and discomfort. In severe cases, it might result in heartburn.
2. Allergic Reactions
Jello contains artificial colorings and flavors that can cause allergies in some people, depending on their tolerance to these additives.
3. Excess Sugar Intake
Regular jello has a high sugar content, which can imbalance blood sugar levels if consumed frequently.
4. Risks of Critical Diseases
Artificial additives in jello can increase the risk of severe diseases such as cancer, heart problems, fatty liver, obesity, and diabetes due to excess sugar intake.
Is Sugar-Free Jello Good for You?
Sugar-free jello is a healthier alternative to regular jello, especially for those looking to reduce sugar intake or manage weight. However, it still lacks significant nutritional content and should be consumed in moderation to avoid adverse effects.
FAQs
Why do hospitals serve jello as a treat?
Jello contains gelatin, which can contribute to good health by providing collagen, strengthening connective tissues, and offering various amino acids. Gelatin also helps remove toxins from the liver, making it beneficial in hospital settings.
What happens if you eat too much jello?
Overconsumption of jello can lead to sugar build-up and increase the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and liver problems. Jello should be consumed in moderation.
Is jello good for your brain?
The amino acid glycine in jello can enhance brain function by improving memory and focus. It also helps treat mental health conditions and improves mood.
Conclusion
So, is jello healthy? While jello isn’t inherently harmful and offers some advantages, it also has drawbacks. It’s best consumed occasionally, with sugar-free or vegan versions as healthier alternatives for more frequent intake.
Always consider the potential health effects of additives and sugar content, and enjoy jello in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
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