Chocolate Desesrt #72

OK, Chocolate Dessert #72 really isn't a complete dessert. But I know Sue's been waiting patiently for another recipe from the 365 Chocolate Desserts cookbook. I also knew my daughter would be driving home Friday night, although I didn't know she'd be driving through a monsoon. So I took this simple and great chocolate recipe, paired it up with another recipe, and, Bingo!

CHOCOLATE DESSERT #72:
Banana Cream Pie in Chocolate Crust

Recipe #72: Chocolate Pie Crust

1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips OR 3 ounces semisweet chocolate
3 tbsp butter
1 tsp shortening
1/2 cup ground walnuts
1-1/2 cups shredded coconut

Melt the butter, chocolate and shortening in the top of a double boiler or in a 4 cup microwavable measuring cup. Stir in the walnuts and coconut. Spread in a very well greased pie plate, and freeze for 10 minutes or more.

Custard filling:

2 egg yolks
1-3/4 cups milk
1/4 cup whipping cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp cornstarch
3/4 cup sugar

Whisk together the sugar and cornstarch in the 4 cup microwavable measuring cup. Whisk in the milk, then add the rest of the ingredients. Microwave until it simmers and thickens, stirring every 30 to 60 seconds.

Into the frozen pie crust, slice 2 bananas. Pour the custard in - use my recipe, or store bought cook and serve, or instant - whatever floats your boat. I suppose you could even use chocolate pudding, although I think that would just be weird. Top with whipped cream - made at home, canned, cool whip, again, whatever floats your boat. This dessert isn't supposed to be complex; it's supposed to be good!

Paula, this is safe for your baby. Dog, replace the walnuts with some other ground nut or even more coconut; it's a good alternative to graham cracker crust. Duckie, sorry it's got chocolate in it. And everyone take note, the 4 kids who were at home ate half of it Friday night, and the rest for lunch on Saturday. Then they wailed because there was no more, although they also ate the one in the graham cracker crust thereafter.