Banana Cream Pie

Ah, summertime. The desire for cool, delectable desserts abounds.

I must confess that last Tuesday, when my grocery delivery came, I ordered a case of bananas. Again. Sometimes I just can't help myself. I love bananas and all things made with them. So, last night I decided to make a banana cream pie from my dwindling stock. Make the filling first, then prepare the crust.

BANANA CREAM PIE

Filling:

2 to 3 bananas
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/2 tsp. salt
2-1/2 cups milk
3 egg yolks, beaten slightly
1 tbsp. butter
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Crust:

1 cup graham cracker crumbs
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup melted butter

Topping:

1-1/2 cups whipping creawm
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

In a saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch and salt. Whisk in the milk. Heat to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Boil for one minute, stirring constantly. In a second bowl, beat the egg yolks slightly. Combine them with half the hot mixture, then add this to the hot mixture in the pan. Return to the stove, reheat to a boil, and boil for one more minute, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat, stir in the butter and vanilla, and let the filling cool.

Meanwhile, make the crust: Crumble graham crackers (1 entire small package from the box makes about a cup of crumbs), either crushing between sheets of waxed paper with a rolling pin, or pulsing in the food processor. Pour into a small bowl, mix completely with the sugar, and add the melted butter, stirring with a fork to combine. Press into a greased deep dish pie plate. Slice 2 to 3 bananas, to loosely half fill the pie plate, into the crust. Pour the filling over the bananas, and place in the refrigerator to cool for at least an hour.

Topping: Whip the heavy cream with the sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Spread over the pie, and chill completely.

This is really rich. What looks like a small slice will be a huge serving.

Of course, if you wish, you can use instant vanilla pudding for the filling. Just replace 1/4 cup of the milk required with whipping cream, and proceed as described above.

This is what was left after we had dessert last night. No one would wait for the picture to be taken before they took their slices. Of course, this is so filling that I ate about 3 bites of my dearly beloved's piece, and nothing more. Now, go ahead, admit that you want this....