VANILLA CREAM FOR CREPES RECIPES

Steps:

• Cover bottom of pie shell with nuts if desired; set aside. In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch, flour and salt; gradually stir in milk. Cook and stir over medium-high heat until thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat; cook and stir 2 minutes more. Remove from the heat and stir a small amount into egg; return all to the saucepan. Cook and stir until almost bubbly. Reduce heat; cook and stir 1-2 minutes more (do not boil). Remove from the heat; stir in vanilla and almond extract if desired. Cool to room temperature. Whip cream; fold into filling. Pour into pie shell. Chill for at least 2 hours. , About 2 hours before serving, prepare glaze. Combine crushed strawberries and water in a large saucepan; cook for 2 minutes. Combine sugar and cornstarch; gradually stir into the berries. Cook until thick and clear, stirring constantly. Strain. Cool for 20 minutes. , Meanwhile, arrange berry halves over filling; pour glaze evenly over berries. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Garnish with whipped cream if desired.

Steps:

• In medium bowl, mix flour, granulated sugar, baking powder and salt. Stir in milk, 2 tablespoons butter, the vanilla and eggs. Beat with wire whisk just until smooth.
• Lightly butter 6- to 8-inch skillet or crepe pan. Heat over medium heat until bubbly. For each crepe, pour slightly less than 1/4 cup batter into skillet. Immediately tilt and rotate skillet so thin layer of batter covers bottom. Cook until light brown. Run wide spatula around edge to loosen; turn and cook other side until light brown. Repeat with remaining batter, buttering skillet as needed.
• Stack crepes, placing waxed paper between each; keep covered. Spread applesauce, sweetened berries, jelly or jam thinly over each warm crepe; roll up. (Be sure to fill crepes so when rolled the more attractive side is on the outside.) Sprinkle with powdered sugar.