Thursday, August 4, 2011

Lemon Ice Box Pie/Sweet Home Viewing Party


Burlap tablecloths, mason jar glasses, candleholders, daisies, paper plates, sweet tea, lemon ice box, and cobbler!
I have been a busy bee fitting in summer events while the summer disappears before my eyes.  School finished last week.  My friend and coworker's brother (Tribble) is on the CMT "bachelorette-style TV" show Sweet Home Alabama.  Seems like an excuse for a party to me!  What better for a summertime party than a summertime theme....and summertime desserts?

I wanted to try lemon ice box pie.  I know, it goes against my "dessert should have chocolate in it" belief.  I ended up making two pies and a classic peach cobbler (leftovers are certainly headed to work). 

I tried my grandmother's (Maw's) recipe and Emeril's recipe.  They are two very different pies.  I thought I would like Emeril's but I liked Maw's recipe better.  It is a little more work but light and fluffy...how I think a lemon ice box should be.  My meringue on top didn't do as I hoped.  Water got in the egg whites.  I know, big mistake.  But I went with it.  Here are the recipes if you are interested!

Maw's Lemon Ice Box Pie:
I don't have a pie plate...so a quiche dish had to do!

Emeril's Recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 1 (14-ounce) can condensed milk
  • 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoons lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 prepared graham cracker crust (I used Maw's recipe above)

Directions

Combine the cream cheese, milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla in a large bowl. Mix on medium speed until smooth. Pour into the pie crust. Refrigerate overnight.


I will leave you with a few fun party pictures.  United Way campaign starts in the morning and I have guests and a company meeting to prepare for!

Lanterns out front - Sarah enjoys. :)
Special guest...the Kirbster!
Yes, those are Ball jars.  Just like the show. :)
Amusement.
The crew...we don't get together enough!