Papaya Pie

Papaya originated in Mexico, Central and northern South, but now is cultivated in most countries with tropical climate. Ripe papayas are rich in vitamins and also aid digestion. Eating them is especially helpful for weak or old people who complain of upset stomach when they eat meat, chicken, or eggs. Papaya makes these foods easier to digest. If you like peach or apricot pie, try this easy papaya pie for a touch of the tropics.. Using a pre-made graham cracker pie crust makes this a quick and easy dessert, but do allow for cooling time before serving.

Ingredients

• 1 baked 9" pie shell
• 6 oz. cream cheese
• 1 1/2 tbsp. sugar
• 1 tsp. grated orange peel
• 2-3 fresh papayas, sliced thinly
• 1 c. apricot preserves
• 1/2 c. finely chopped macadamia nuts
• 1/4 c. orange juice
• 1 tsp. plain gelatin
• 1 c. whipping cream

Method

1. Whip cream cheese and orange peel until light and fluffy.  Whip in sugar and spread over bottom of cooked (and cooled) pie crust. 
2. Arrange papaya slices in overlapping pattern on top of cream cheese so that fruit makes a pretty design. 
3.  Soften the gelatin in the orange juice.  Heat the apricot jam until melted, push through a strainer and then return to saucepan and reheat.  Add orange juice mixture and stir until gelatin has melted. 
4. Cool and then pour glaze over top of the papaya. 
5. Sprinkle macadamia nuts to make 1 inch band around the outer edge of pie.  Put in refrigerator and chill. 
6. Whip cream with a little sugar and vanilla.  Place small dollop in center of pie and serve extra whipped cream, to be added if wanted.

(Source: abbyskitchen.co.uk)