NO-BAKE KEY LIME CHEESECAKE

3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs

3/4 cup sweetened flaked coconut

3 tbsp sugar

4 tbsp butter, melted

1 cup heavy whipping cream

2 1/2 pkgs (8-oz each) cream cheese, room temperature

1 can (14-oz) sweetened condensed milk

1/2 cup key lime juice

1 tsp grated lime zest

2 (1/4-oz each) envelopes unflavored gelatin

8 drops yellow food coloring

Whipped cream, lime slice halves, lime zest curls, optional for garnish

Grease an 8 x -inch springform pan.

Combine crumbs, coconut and 1 tablespoon of sugar; stir in butter. Press mixture in bottom of pan. Chill until set, around 20 minutes.

On medium-high speed of electric mixer, beat cream and remaining 2 tablespoons sugar until stiff. In a separate bowl, on medium speed, beat cream cheese and milk until smooth; beat in juice and zest.

In a 1-quart microwave-safe bowl, stir 1/4 cup water into the gelatin; let stand 5 minutes. Microwave 10 t0 15 seconds, until melted. Stir in 1 cup cream cheese mixture. Stir gelatin mixture into the remaining cream cheese mixture. Fold in the whipped cream. Tint with the food coloring. Spread mixture over the crust. Cover and chill 6 hours before cutting. Garnish with the garnishes as you desire.

Yield: 16 servings