Margarita Is Flavor of Pie : An Unusual Pretzel Crust Takes Place of Salty Rim

Cinco de Mayo, a Mexican national holiday, is celebrated with parades, festivals and dances. The holiday recognizes the anniversary of the Battle of Puebla, May 5, 1862, in which Mexican troops defeated the invading French forces of Napoleon III.

Serve a luscious dessert based on Mexican ingredients, Margarita Pie, as part of this festive occasion. Margaritas are one of the most well-known Mexican drinks--a tasty contrast of sweet and salty. Margarita Pie has an unusual pretzel crust reminiscent of the salty rim of the glass in the drink. The easy-as-pie filling includes sweetened condensed milk, tequila, lime juice and whipped cream.

The tartness of the lime juice adds a flavor contrast and it thickens the sweetened condensed milk into a creamy soft but firm-enough-to-cut filling. For a soothing hot weather dessert, freeze Margarita Pie for a more ice cream-like texture. Garnishes could include dollops of whipped cream with mini pretzels or a simple twist of lime.

MARGARITA PIE

1 1/4 cups finely crushed pretzels

1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted

1/4 cup sugar

1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

1/3 cup lime juice

3 to 4 tablespoons tequila

2 tablespoons triple sec or other orange-flavored liqueur

1 cup whipping cream, whipped

Additional whipped cream and pretzels for garnish

Combine pretzel crumbs, butter and sugar and press firmly in bottom and up sides of lightly buttered 9-inch pie plate. Combine sweetened condensed milk, lime juice, tequila and triple sec in large mixing bowl.

Mix well. Fold in whipped cream. Pour into prepared crust. Chill 2 hours or freeze 4 hours for firmer, ice cream-like texture. Garnish with additional whipped cream and pretzels. Makes about 8 servings.