Florida Key Lime Pie

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Crumble the Maria cookies using a food processor or blender until ground to a fine powder.

Melt ¾ of a stick of unsalted butter.

Deposit the cookie crumbs into the 9-inch x 2-inch pie mold, then add the melted butter and ¼ cup of brown sugar. Mix well and form into a uniform layer using a cup and spatula.

Bake the crust in the preheated 350°F oven for 10 minutes. Remove and let cool on the counter. Lower the oven temperature to 325°F.

Separate 8 eggs, placing only the yolks into a medium mixing bowl. Whip the egg yolks with a hand mixer or whisk for about a minute until they are a solid color.

Add the two cans of sweetened condensed milk to the yolks and mix for another couple of minutes until well incorporated.

Add the cup of key lime juice and continue to whisk until combined.

Once the crust has cooled enough to touch, pour the filling mixture into it. If still warm, place the crust in the fridge for a few minutes first.

Bake at 325°F for 20 to 25 minutes, or until set (barely any movement when gently jiggled).

Remove from oven and allow to cool to room temperature, then place in the freezer for a minimum of 3 to 4 hours.

Cut into slices and serve with whipped cream or meringue.