Vanilla Cream Pie

By HeatherS

Ingredients

• 1 cup sugar, divided
• 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon plus 1/8 teaspoon salt, divided
• 2-1/2 cups low-fat milk
• 3 eggs, separated
• 1 tablespoon margarine or butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• (9-inch) Baked Pastry Shell
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

Details

Servings 8
Cooking time 25mins

Preparation

Step 1

Combine 1/2 cup sugar, flour, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in heavy saucepan. Add milk and cook over medium heat until thickened, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low. Cook, covered, about 10 minutes longer, stirring occasionally. Set aside.

Place egg yolks in mixer bowl. Attach bowl and wire whip to mixer. Turn to Speed 8 and whip about 1 minute. Slowly stir small amount of milk mixture into yolks. Add yolk mixture to saucepan. Cook over medium heat 3 to 4 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Add margarine and vanilla; cool. Pour into Baked Pastry Shell.

Place cream of tartar, remaining salt, and egg whites in mixer bowl. Attach bowl and wire whip to mixer. Gradually turn to Speed 8 and whip about 1 minute, or until soft peaks form. Turn to Speed 4. Gradually add remaining sugar and whip about 1 minute, or until stiff peaks form.

Lightly pile meringue on pie and spread to edge. Bake at 325°F for 15 minutes, or until lightly browned.

PER SERVINGS: ('/s PIE) ABOUT 332 CAL, 7 g PRO, 47 g GARB, 13 g FAT, 86 mg CHOL, 297 mg SOD.

CHOCOLATE CREAM PIE
Melt 2 squares (1 ounce each) unsweetened chocolate and add to filling along with margarine and vanilla. Proceed as directed above.
PER SERVING: l'/8 PIE) ABOUT 368 CAL, 8g PRO, 49 g CARB, 16g FAT, 86 mg CHOL, 298 mg SOD.

BANANA CREAM PIE
Slice 2 or 3 bananas into Baked Pastry Shell before adding filling. Proceed as directed above.
PER SERVING: 11/4 PIE) ABOUT 359 CAL, 8 g PRO, 54 g GARB, 13 g FAT, 86 mg CHOL, 298 mg SOD.

COCONUT CREAM PIE
Add 1/2 cup flaked coconut to filling before pouring into Baked Pastry Shell. Before baking, Sprinkle 1/4 cup flaked coconut on meringue. Proceed as directed above.

PER SERVING: 11/8 PIE) ABOUT 376 CAL, 8g PRO, 51 g CARB, 16 g FAT, 86 mg CHOL, 320 mg SOD.