BEST CREAM PIE RECIPES

Steps:

• Set oven to 350 degrees F (middle rack).
• To make crust: mix together all ingredients.
• Press into bottom and up sides of a 9-inch pie plate (1-quart capacity).
• Bake for 12 minutes: cool completely.
• For filling: in a 3-quart heavy-bottomed saucepan (make certain to use a heavy saucepan for this as it will scorch on the bottom) stir together 2/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar, cornstarch, salt and egg yolks.
• Whisk in half and half cream; bring to a boil slowly over medium heat, whisking constantly, then add in the finely chopped chocolate until smooth and melted; cook about 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly until thick (filling will be very thick).
• Remove from heat and add in butter and vanilla.
• Cover the top of the filling with plastic wrap (lay the plastic wrap directly on top of filling) and cool slightly (about 1-1/2 - 2 hours).
• Spoon the filling into the crust and cover lighty with plastic wrap.
• Refrigerate pie for a minimum of 6 hours (don't try to cut into the pie before the 6 hours it will not hold together!).
• Just before serving whip the cream and spoon on top of pie, the grate chocolate on top of the whipped cream if desired.

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt and baking powder. Cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Combine egg yolk and 1/2 cup cold water; gradually add to crumb mixture, tossing with a fork until a ball forms. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour., Divide dough in half. Roll out each portion to fit a 9-in. pie plate. Place in plates; trim pastry even with edge. With a small round fluted cutter, cut small circles out of dough scraps. Beat egg white with remaining water; brush over edges of pastry. Arrange dough cutouts around edge., Line unpricked pastry shells with a double thickness of heavy-duty foil. Bake at 400° for 12-15 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on wire racks., For filling, in a large saucepan, combine sugar, flour and salt. Stir in milk until smooth. Cook and stir over medium-high heat until thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat to low; cook and stir for 2 minutes longer. Remove from the heat. Stir a small amount of hot filling into egg yolks; return all to the pan, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat; gently stir in coconut and extracts. Pour filling into pastry shells., For meringue, combine the sugar, cornstarch and water in a saucepan until smooth. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook and stir for 2 minutes or until clear. , In a large bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Pour hot sugar mixture in a small stream into egg whites, beating constantly until stiff peaks form., Spread evenly over hot filling, sealing edges to crust. Bake at 350° for 12-15 minutes or until the meringue is golden brown. Cool on a wire rack for 1 hour. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving., Sprinkle with toasted coconut before serving. Store leftovers in the refrigerator.