Sunday, May 21, 2017

Double Layer Lemon Chiffon Pie from special guest Kim Davis #mystery #recipe #giveaway

Please join us in welcoming special guest Kim Davis: a woman who loves recipes and mysteries and has made the cozy world more interesting because of her interests. We have loved getting to know her and being featured on her amazing blog Cinnamon-Sugar-and-a-Little-Bit-of-Murder. We love her style!






















Thanks so much for having me, Mary Jane! I love all the delectable recipes featured on Mystery Lovers’ Kitchen along with the terrific books by so many talented authors and it’s an honor to be able to contribute my own recipe today! 

One of the many reasons I adore culinary mysteries is that food is a common bond between all humans. Not only is food nourishment for our bodies, it also speaks to our souls, to our emotions, creating memories while providing comfort. Culinary cozy mysteries combine puzzling plots along with food to bond the reader to the protagonist and the admirable characters. Plus, I’ve found so many amazing recipes through the books I read, that have become family favorites. 

I chose to share my recipe for Double Layer Lemon Chiffon Pie for a couple of reasons. Lemon just screams spring and summer to me with its bright, tart sweet burst of flavor in every bite. The meringue gives it a light and airy feel too, so you won’t feel weighted down by this dessert. And speaking of creating memories, this pie is one of my granddaughter’s most requested pies when we celebrate her half birthday, which happens to fall on Pi Day (March 14th) each year! It’s a tradition we’ve been celebrating for many, many years and one she looks forward to just about as much as she looks forward to her actual birthday…pies for half birthdays and cakes for birthdays. 


I hope you enjoy this dessert as much as we have! 





Double Layer Lemon Chiffon Pie


Ingredients

1 9-inch prepared graham cracker crust (gluten-free graham cracker crust works well too)

Filling
1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin, divided
4 tablespoons water, divided
5 large eggs (2 whole eggs and 3 eggs separated)*
1-1/4 cups granulated sugar, divided
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon grated lemon zest





3/4 cup lemon juice (use fresh!)


1/4 cup heavy cream
4 ounces cream cheese, cut into small pieces and brought to room temperature



Instructions

Place 2 tablespoons water in a small dish, and remaining 2 tablespoons water in another small dish. 

Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon gelatin over each dish containing water (using a total of 1 teaspoon gelatin). 

Let the gelatin soften for about 5 minutes. 
In a medium-sized saucepan, whisk the 2 eggs together with 3 egg yolks. Add 1 cup granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt, whisking until smooth.


Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and heavy cream.

Place the saucepan over medium heat, and stirring constantly, cook until thickened. An instant read thermometer should register about 170 degrees. Don’t allow the mixture to boil.
Remove pan from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons water and gelatin mixture and allow to sit for 2 minutes.

If lemon curd mixture seems lumpy, strain through a fine-mesh strainer into a heat-proof medium-sized bowl.
Place 1-1/4 cups of the curd into the bottom of the pie shell and place in freezer while you prepare the remaining filling.


Add the cream cheese and remaining water and gelatin mixture to the remaining lemon curd. 



Whisk until smooth. If the cream cheese doesn’t melt, place the mixture into the microwave for 10 seconds on high heat, then whisk again. Repeat as necessary. Set aside.

In the bowl of a standing mixer, whip the remaining 3 egg whites on medium speed about 2 minutes. Slowly add 1/4 cup granulated sugar then increase speed to medium-high. Whip until the egg whites are stiff, then turn off mixer.

Add the lemon curd, cream cheese mixture to the egg whites and fold until no white streaks remain.



Remove the lemon curd filled pie shell from the freezer and pour egg white mixture over the top, mounding slightly in the center of the pie.
Refrigerate at least 4 hours before serving or up to 2 days. Garnish with whipped cream just before serving.

Tips
Be sure there are no specks of yolk or grease present in the mixing bowl and beaters used to whip the egg whites.

*Eating raw or undercooked eggs poses a health risk to everyone, but especially to the elderly, young children under age 4, pregnant women and other highly susceptible individuals with compromised immune systems. If you are concerned about consuming raw egg whites you can sometimes find pasteurized eggs at Whole Foods Market. Just don’t try using the pasteurized egg whites in a carton. They won’t whip up…trust me, I’ve tried! You can also try this method, but please use your discretion when consuming uncooked and/or undercooked items. http://bakingbites.com/2011/03/how-to-pasteurize-eggs-at-home/

With my blog, Cinnamon, Sugar and a Little Bit of Murder, I try to bring to life the culinary cozy mysteries that I read.  Besides posting a review of the book, (along with a giveaway posted by so many generous authors each week)  I share a recipe from the book, along with photos of the finished dish.  I also enjoy creating step-by-step YouTube videos showing how to make the recipe.  I've found when I'm attempting a new technique or preparing a dish I'm unfamiliar with, I like to see what each step is supposed to look like.  When I started my blog a little over two years ago, I couldn't entirely envision what it was going to be ... but I knew it would be food and mysteries.  I've been astounded at the support and welcome I've received from the cozy community which helped give me a clearer direction of how I wanted to develop my blog, making it something I so enjoy being a part of!

Our friend Kim Davis resides in Southern California with her husband. When not baking, photographing, or reading, she spends lots of time with her two granddaughters or working on special projects for them and their school.

There are lots of ways to stay in touch with Kim! Try these:

Cinnamon and Sugar and a Little Bit of Murder blog

Join Kim on Facebook

And follow her on Twitter  or Instagram

Kim was kind enough to do a recipe and a review of our latest book collector mystery. Because we're grateful to her, we'll offer a giveaway of THE HAMMETT HEX to one commenter who comes by and says hi to this special guest.   And now, I'm off to make this pie!



84 comments:

  1. Welcome, Kim! Love the refreshing lemon pie recipe; and the book sounds great! EMS591@aol.com

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    1. Thank you! There is something so refreshing about lemon flavors during the warm spring and summer months!

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  2. That pie looks fantastic. I have lemons and eggs. Guess what I am going to make. Thanks for the recipe.

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  3. What a great pie. And thanks for all the great recipies you introduce us to on cinnamon and Sugar

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    1. Thanks, Vicki! It's definitely my pleasure sharing so many yummy recipes :)

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  4. Welcome Kim! You make every one of our homemade recipes look so professional and delicious--we are lucky to have you in the neighborhood!

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    1. Thank you, Roberta! I so enjoy making all of your very delicious recipes and appreciate the chance to share them!

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  5. I love that kind of pie and the more lemony the better...thank you for the contest I would love to read The Hammett Hex.
    Marilyn ewatvess@yahoo.com

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    1. My granddaughter would agree with you, there can never be too much lemon flavor :)

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  6. Hi Kim! Your pie sounds great!! jawdance@yahoo.com

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  7. Hi Kim! I love lemon desserts so thanks for this recipe. Very cool that you can celebrate Pi Day with your granddaughter. We had several excellent mini pies on 3.14 this year while in Honolulu.

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    1. Sounds like fun sampling mini pies on 3.14 in Honolulu! So glad I had a chance to meet you then, Grace!

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  8. I agree, Kim has such good recipes. I am always keeping them for later. This one sounds like a keeper, too. I love lemon pies.
    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

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  9. Nice to know more about you Kim. Will be trying your recipe very soon. Love lemon desserts!
    lady(dot)janel(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  10. That looks amazing! I'm sure if I tried this at home it wouldn't look nearly as good. Wish I had your baking talent! mbradeen@yahoo.com

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    1. Thanks, Marla! It takes some patience and practice but honestly all that really matters is that it tastes good. Trust me, I've had my share of "that looks pretty awful" but no one cared because it was yummy :)

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    2. That's true. I will say that things usually taste better when someone else cooks them for you!

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  11. That pie looks amazing, Kim, thank you for sharing and thanks to Mary Jane for the giveaway!

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    1. Thanks, Tari! It's always a pleasure being on Mystery Lovers' Kitchen!

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  12. The pie looks so delicious a recipie&a book giveaway perfect��

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  13. Oh, Kim, we're so delighted to have you visit the blog today! Thanks for all you do for authors AND readers -- and eaters!

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    1. Thanks so much, Leslie! I wouldn't have much of a blog if it weren't for the authors with their terrific books and delectable recipes to share!!!

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  14. The book sounds wonderful and so does the pie.

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  15. Thanks for the recipe - I love lemon desserts! A local bakery at one time had intense lemon bars. Unfortunately, the baker left and the current lemon bars are too sweet now.

    jtcgc (at) yahoo (dot) com

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    1. How disappointing that the baker didn't leave their recipe! This pie definitely has a good tart bite to it :)

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  16. What a refreshing recipe. Love anything with lemons. I have a lemon tree in my backyard and will be whipping up this recipe soon. Thanks for sharing. Just put your book on my To Be Read List too. Looks great. 📚
    donnaing1 (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. You're very welcome! And lucky you to have a lemon tree!!!

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  17. I love lemon deserts---and spring is just the perfect time for them. Thanks for the super recipe.
    suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com

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  18. Lemon is my favorite flavor and especially so for treats such as this delectable dessert. Thanks for this enticing recipe. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. You're very welcome! Lemon is such a great flavor, especially this time of the year!

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  19. Lemon pie is the best pie, well tied with chocolate that is. Would love to read the book. embam1969@comcast.net

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    1. Lol! Actually, I have to agree with you about the chocolate :)

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  20. Perfect summer recipe and lemon desserts are the best. Thanks.elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  21. Kim. Thank you for another great recipe! Would love to read the book.
    Della at deepotter (at) peoplepc (dot) com

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  22. Kim, welcome! Love your blog and love this recipe. How pretty! MJ, how sweet of you to offer a giveaway. What fun for our fans. ~ Daryl

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    1. Thanks so much, Daryl! I just love this blog so it's an honor to have the chance to share a recipe here!

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  23. Hi, Kim! Thanks for the recipe...I will need to make this for my office mates soon. I like that it doesn't have a lot of sugar....that will allow the lemon flavor to come through. Yummy! aut1063(at)gmail(dot)com.

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    1. You're very welcome and enjoy! I'm sure you'll be a very popular person in your office if you show up with this pie :)

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  24. First, I love lemons...and this pie will be on 'must try' list. The book is from a favorite author and definitely a 'must read.'
    kat8762(at)aol(dot)com

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    1. I know you'll enjoy both book and pie! Thanks for stopping by!

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  25. Hi Kim! It is so nice to find you everywhere and the pie sounds so good. If there is time in your schedule lol then it is nice to see you on this site also. Love it when i find you other places as you are just so sweet and nice! ptclayton2@aol.com

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Peggy! So nice to see you here too :)

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  26. Thanks for the pie recipe and for a chance to win a copy of your book. elainehroberson@gmail.com

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  27. Great recipe. I can hardly wait to make it. dbahn(at)iw(dot)net.

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  28. Hi Kim! This looks so yummy. cocanvaz@gmail.com

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  29. Lemon anything is always going to be a winner! Thanks for the pie recipe.
    patdupuy@yahoo.com

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  30. Love the series! Christie and Sayers in book titles????? I was hooked and lemon is my favorite pie!!!
    Oneponychick66@hotmail.com

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    1. I know, such a great combination in these books!!! Enjoy!

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  31. Welcome Kim.. Lemon pie, my eldest daughter's favorite! Will have to try this recipe.. Thanks for sharing. servedogmomATyahooDOTcom

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  32. I love all things lemon. This pie looks tasty. turtle6422(at)gmail(dot)com

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  33. Welcome to the Kitchen, Kim! So wonderful to see you here. Gorgeous pie recipe. Thank you for sharing and for all you do to celebrate the joy of good food and good reading. Cheers!

    ~ Cleo

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    1. Thank you, Cleo! It's an honor to be sharing my recipe here at Mystery Lovers' Kitchen!

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  34. Fabulous book
    Great blog
    Delicious looking pie

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  35. Hi Kim, I really enjoy your blog and the recipes you post. Love lemon and especially lemon desserts, will have to give it a try. Would love to read "The Hammet Hex".
    diannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com

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  36. Hi Kim, I can't wait to try this recipe & I love yours books. Thanks for this very generous giveaway. lindamay4852@yahoo.com

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  37. Thanks for the delicious recipe I can't wait to make it. I want to read the book soon!donamaekutska7@gmail.com

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  38. I love your blog, Kim! Thank you for sharing this delicious looking recipe! Please do not enter me in the giveaway. For I have already read this AMAZING book.

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    1. Thanks so much, Abby! I certainly appreciate hearing that :)

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  39. Welcome! Absolutely going to try this recipe and looking forward to reading the book!

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  40. I love lemon pie and would enjoy reading The Hammett Hex!
    rebarger(at)bellsouth(dot)com

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  41. Hello kim. I just love cozy mysteries and recipes.
    judytucker1947@gmail.com

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  42. Thanks for the recipe - always wondered how to make it! cheers@MarjimManor.com

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  43. I really enjoy all your recipes & book reviews on your blog. Thanks for all the food ideas you have given me. doward1952(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  44. I'm not much of a pie maker, but this one looks wonderful. I'm thinking dear hubby would love for me to practice with this one. Thanks for sharing!

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  45. A winning combination of cooking and reading mysteries. Lemon is my favourite flavour.

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  46. Welcome Kim. What a beautiful looking pie. Must give it a try. Love your blog and all the helpful hints. Also love food related books LOL.
    bobntoni@aol.com

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  47. Hi Kim! Love your blog and this great interview! Thanks for the chance to win a copy of the Hammet Hex

    johnnabooks(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  48. Can't wait to try this recipe; but more importantly, I'd LOVE to read your book! I'm always looking for new cozy mystery authors!
    Blessings

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