While the northeast part of our country has been smacked with blizzards, we here in the Midwest have had a comfortable winter. As of this writing, spring-like temperatures had caused the forsythia bushes to burst forth in bloom and the crocus planted to spell “it’s spring” are sending their message from the hill on Main Street at Glenn Miller Park

here in Richmond, Ind.

 

Sure, we’ll likely get some snow before winter gives up the effort, and cold temperatures will cause us to put on an extra sweater a few more times before spring really arrives. But we can do our best to put winter behind us. One way is to enjoy some early spring orange pie. It’s a bright color matching the sun, and it’s a refreshing refrigerated pie best served chilled. This pie will brighten your outlook on any day and make you think about spring activities you’re planning to enjoy.

 

Early Spring Orange Pie

 

1 prepared 9-inch graham cracker pie crust or a pastry shell, baked

1 envelope unflavored gelatin

1/4 cup cold water

4 eggs, separated

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup orange juice

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons grated orange rind

Whipped cream

Mandarin oranges

 

Put the cold water into the gelatin and let it soften a few minutes. Beat the egg

yolks and add 1/2 cup of sugar, orange juice, lemon juice and salt. Cook this in a

double boiler to get it thickened. Add the rind and softened gelatin mixture

to the egg yolk mixture. Stir it together until it’s nicely mixed. Set aside

to cool. Beat the egg whites until you get soft peaks. Slowly add the remaining 1/2

cup of sugar while continuing to beat the mix very well. Fold the egg whites into

the gelatin/egg yolk mixture. Pour the complete mixture into your

pie crust or pie shell. Put this in your refrigerator to let set up and chill through.

When ready to serve, cover the pie with whipped cream. Arrange chilled Mandarin

orange slices in the whipped cream for a colorful special effect.

 

This dessert will get you ready to go hunt mushrooms or to take a dip in the swimming pool. It really means spring is here!

 

Readers with questions or comments for Dave Kessler may write to him in care

of this publication.