Banana Cream Pie Recipe

Graham cracker crust:
18 Graham cracker squares
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1 egg white
Cooking spray

Filling:
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 egg yolks
2 1/4 cups whole milk, divided
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 medium bananas (1 pound total weight), peeled and sliced

Topping:
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. Preheat oven to 325F.
2. For the crust, place crackers in a food processor and process until fine crumbs. Add sugar, cinnamon and butter and process 10 to 15 seconds. Add egg white and pulse rapidly about 10 times, until crumbs are moist. Coat a 9-inch pie plate lightly with cooking spray. Press crumbs firmly onto sides and bottom of pan. Bake 15 minutes or until light brown and fragrant. Cool completely on a wire rack.
3. For the filling, whisk together granulated sugar, cornstarch and salt in a heavy medium saucepan. Add egg yolks and 1/2 cup milk; whisk until smooth. Heat remaining 1 3/4 cup milk in microwave until very hot, about 2 minutes. Whisk into cornstarch mixture. Place pan over medium heat and stir until thick and boiling. Cook, stirring constantly, 1 minute. Remove pan from heat and stir in butter and vanilla. Cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally.
3. Spread about 1/2 cup cooled custard in crust. Arrange sliced bananas evenly over the custard; spoon remaining custard over top. Refrigerate 3 to 4 hours.
4. When ready to serve, whip cream, confectioners’ sugar and vanilla until thick. Spread evenly over custard. Serve cold. Store leftovers in the refrigerator. Serves 8.

Recipe by Greg Patent, "Relish the Season," March 2007.

Per serving: 420 calories, 23g fat, 6g prot., 50g carbs., 2g fiber, 220mg sodium.