Banana Cream Pie

I know this pie well...

- this pie can be inhaled in a less than 24 hours

- On occasion, this pie and I have shared a 2am rendezvous, with me standing in front of the fridge with mouth watering before the door is opened.

- Ignorance is bliss - I know NOT to figure out calorie count in this dessert!

As you can see, I am very familiar with this delicious pie. Knowing my weak tendencies, I don’t make it very often, because, with the winter season just around the corner, I certainly don't need the extra fat and calorie….. but I could definitely hibernate into oblivion with this pie.

This pie is the reason I have a double boiler pan in my cupboard!   I love this recipe because it’s the way my grandmother and mother both made their cream pies… by slowly stirring the pastry cream over steaming water to get a rich, velvety pie filling. And I loved that little taste of vanilla added just before the creamy pudding is ready to be pour into the pre-baked shell.   

Did I say “I love banana cream pie”?  Well the truth is I love all cream pies but truly banana cream is my favorite. When I make the recipe I’m always concerned with the bananas turning brown. After a little research I decided to try a little fresh lemon juice on the bananas before I put them into the shell….It worked.   See how lovely they still look after a full day!   Okay without delay here is the recipe….mostly for my own benefit so I don’t have to dig through all those recipe cards every time!  

INGREDIENTS:

2 T. butter

3/4 cup sugar

1/3 cup flour

1/8 t salt

2 eggs well beaten

2 cups heavy cream

1/2 t. vanilla

Combine butter, sugar, salt, flour & eggs.   Add milk slowly, stirring constantly while cooking over hot water until thick and smooth.  Add vanilla flavoring just before pouring into a pre-baked shell.

Of course serve it with more beautifully whipped cream!