Monkey River Mud Pie - In Belize

MONKEY RIVER MUD PIE
1 c. chocolate biscuit (cookie) crumbs
1/2 c. melted butter
1/4 c. instant coffee granules
8 Tbsp. One Barrel rum
3 eggs, separated
1 tin condensed milk
1/2 c. icing sugar
1/4 tsp. cream of tartar
1/2 c. caster or granulated sugar
1 Tbsp. brown sugar (optional)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Mix the cookie crumbs with the melted butter and press into a pie dish with your fingers.  Bake for 8 minutes, remove and cool completely.

FILLING
Mix coffee granules into the rum until they are dissolved, set aside.  Beat yolks with the condensed milk until light and fluffy.  Stir in the icing sugar and the rum and coffee mixture.  Pour into the pie crust and put into a preheated oven, 350 degrees for 30 minutes.  Meanwhile, beat the egg whites, adding the cream of tartar, beat about 20 seconds.

When the egg whites are starting to form soft peaks, gradually add the 1/2 cup of caster or granulated sugar.  Continue beating until the mixture forms stiff peaks.  When your pie has had 30 minutes in the oven, take it out, turn up the temperature to 400 degrees.  Spread or pipe the egg white mixture over the top, bake for five minutes.  Allow to cool, then place in the refrigerator for three to four hours. 

For extra luxury, serve with cream into which you have stirred a tablespoon of brown sugar and a tablespoon of rum. 
Serves 6.

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