Melon Velvet Pie

This summertime, no-bake pie features a mousse-like velvety filling, with a splash of amaretto liqueur, topped with honeydew melon balls brushed with an apricot-orange liqueur glaze.

Recipe Ingredients:

1 (9-inch) baked pie crust*

Filling:
2 tablespoons cold water
1 (0.25-ounce) package unflavored gelatin
1/2 cup boiling water
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup orange juice
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/3 cup amaretto liqueur
1 cup heavy cream

Topping:
1 cup diced honeydew melon
1/4 cup apricot jam
1 tablespoon orange liqueur

Cooking Directions:

1. For Filling: In a bowl, place 2 tablespoons cold water and sprinkle 1 package unflavored gelatin on top. Let stand for 2 minutes. Stir in 1/2 cup boiling water. Add 1/2 cup sugar and stir until dissolved. Add 1/2 cup orange juice, 2 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1/3 cup amaretto liqueur; stir well. Refrigerate until slightly thickened, but not set.
2. In bowl and with an electric mixer on medium speed, whip 1 cup cream until thick and fold into the gelatin mixture. Pour into baked pie crust.
3. For Topping: From melon, scoop out 1 cup melon balls and set aside. Cut the the melon balls in half and arrange on top of the filling, cut side down.
4. In a saucepan over low heat, heat 1/4 cup apricot jam and 1 tablespoon orange liqueur until well blended. Press through sieve into a small bowl, then brush on top of the melon balls. Chill before serving.

Makes 8 servings.

*Use store bought, ready-to-use pie pastry, or your favorite recipe for homemade pie pastry.