Old Fashioned Banana Cream Pie

• Ditch the Instant Stuff: This recipe bypasses the convenience of instant pudding, opting for a homemade custard filling. The reward? A richer, more flavorful experience that celebrates real ingredients.
• From-Scratch Satisfaction: There's a certain satisfaction that comes from creating a dessert entirely from scratch. This recipe allows you to take pride in every step, from baking the crust to preparing the custard filling.
• The Perfect Balance of Flavors: This recipe strikes the perfect balance between creamy custard, sweet bananas, and a flaky pie crust. It's a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more.
• A Touch of Customization: While the recipe celebrates the classic flavors, feel free to add a personal touch! If, like the recipe's creator, you enjoy a hint of banana flavoring, incorporate a touch into your custard for a subtle twist.

Ingredients:

• The Foundation:
• 1 (9-inch) baked pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
• Creamy Custard Filling:
• 3 cups whole milk
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 3 egg yolks, slightly beaten
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Fruity Delight:
• 3 ripe bananas, sliced
• Optional Meringue Topping (using leftover egg whites):
• See recipe for separate meringue instructions (not included here)

1. Pre-Baked Perfection: Ensure you have a baked 9-inch pie crust ready. You can either bake your own crust beforehand or use a store-bought option for convenience.
2. Scalding the Milk: In a large saucepan, heat the whole milk over medium heat until it just begins to simmer (scald). Don't let it boil!
3. Sugar, Flour & Salt Symphony: In a separate saucepan, whisk together the sugar, flour, and salt. This creates a dry base for your custard.
4. Gradual Incorporation: Slowly whisk the scalded milk into the dry ingredient mixture. Take your time to ensure a smooth and lump-free mixture.
5. Thickening Power: Place the saucepan with the milk mixture over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens. This will take a few minutes.
6. Egg Yolk Magic: In a small bowl, have your slightly beaten egg yolks ready. Temper the yolks by slowly whisking a small amount of the hot milk mixture into them. Once combined, whisk the tempered yolks back into the hot milk mixture in the saucepan.
7. Cook and Combine: Continue cooking the custard for an additional minute, stirring constantly. This ensures the eggs cook through completely.
8. Flavor Boost: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract. These ingredients add richness and depth of flavor to the custard.
9. Letting it Rest: Let the custard cool slightly until it reaches a lukewarm temperature. This prevents the bananas from becoming mushy when added.
10. Banana Bonanza: While the custard cools, slice your bananas. Arrange the banana slices in a single layer over the bottom of the baked pie crust.
11. Custard Bliss: Once the custard is lukewarm, pour it evenly over the bananas in the pie crust.
12. Meringue Magic (Optional): If you desire a meringue topping, follow a separate recipe using the leftover egg whites from baking the pie crust. However, the pie is equally delicious without it.
13. Chilled Perfection: Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or until the custard is completely set. This allows the flavors to meld and the crust to soften slightly.
14. Slice and Savor: Serve your homemade Old-Fashioned Banana Cream Pie chilled and enjoy a delightful taste of dessert nostalgia!