Stuffed-Crust Lemon Layer Pie

Stuffed-Crust Lemon Layer Pie, originally uploaded by Pillsbury.com.

Pillsbury Recipes on Flickr! Check this one out, and click the pic to go see more. I love Pillsbury, and Flickr. Damn them for being so tempting! R-

INGREDIENTS

Crust

1 box (15 oz) Pillsbury® refrigerated pie crusts, softened as directed on box
1 package (7 oz) almond paste
1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds
1/4 cup granulated sugar

Filling (first layer)

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
6 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup cold water
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
3 eggs yolks, well beaten
2 tablespoons butter
1 1/2 cups boiling water
1 teaspoon lemon extract
1 teaspoon lemon peel
3 drops yellow food color

Filling (second layer)

1 cup powdered sugar
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 cups whole milk
2 boxes (4-serving size each) lemon instant pudding and pie filling mix

Garnish

1/2 cup powdered sugar
4 oz mascarpone cheese
1 cup whipping cream

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat oven to 350°F. Unroll 1 pie crust in ungreased 9-inch pie plate. Press firmly against side and bottom. In food processor, crumble almond paste; add almonds and 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Cover; process 1 minute. Spread in crust-lined pie plate. Top with second crust; press down. Crimp edges together. Prick crust several times with fork. Bake about 30 minutes or until golden brown.

2. In 2-quart saucepan, mix 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, the cornstarch and salt with wire whisk. Beat in cold water and lemon juice. Add egg yolks; beat until smooth. Add butter; gradually stir in boiling water. Heat to boiling over medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil 2 minutes. Remove from heat; add lemon extract, lemon peel and food color. Cover surface with plastic wrap. Cool 30 minutes. Pour into pie plate. Refrigerate 30 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, in small bowl, beat 1 cup powdered sugar and the cream cheese with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Beat in milk until well blended. Add pudding; beat 2 minutes longer or until thickened. Pour into pie plate.

4. In medium bowl, beat garnish ingredients with electric mixer on high speed about 2 minutes or until stiff peaks form. Place mixture in decorating bag fitted with star tip. Decorate top of pie as desired. Cover and refrigerate any remaining pie.

Patriotic Cookies 2009-05-03

Patriotic Cookies 2009-05-03, originally uploaded by Eudaemonius.

Hurry for the red, white and blue...but why are these in the store on May 3rd? Cinco de Mayo is in two days, and the 4th of July is 2 months away. God, please tell me the shelf life is not that long! R-

Watermelon Cookes 2009-05-03

Watermelon Cookes 2009-05-03, originally uploaded by Eudaemonius.

Saw these cookies at the grocery store tonight and was both disgusted and intrigued at the same time. I could not tell if there were watermelon flavored or only made to look like there did. Anyone tried them? R-