OLD-FASHIONED BANANA CREAM PIE WITH CHOCOLATE PASTRY

Steps:

• To make chocolate pastry: In a food processor or a bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa, and salt; whirl or mix to blend.
• Add butter, whirl, or rub in with our fingers until fine crumbs form.
• Add egg yolk and vanilla; whirl or mix with a fork until blended.
• Lightly spray 9-inch pie pan with non-stick spray. Pour mixture into pan and press evenly over bottom, up sides and across rim. Pinch in decorative edge, or press with tines of fork.
• Bake in 350°F oven just until crust is slightly darker around edges, 15 to 18 minutes.
• Let cool on a rack at least 1 hour.
• To make filling: In a 2-quart pan, combine ¾ cup sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
• Add milk and whisk to blend.
• Whisk over medium heat until mixture boils and thickens.
• Do not scorch.
• Remove from heat.
• In a small bowl, beat egg yolks to blend.
• Stir about ½ cup of the hot milk mixture into yolks, then add this mixture back it pan.
• Return pan to medium-low heat and stir until mixture just begins to bubble, about 2 minutes.
• Remove from heat and stir in butter and 1 teaspoon vanilla.
• Spread a thin layer of warm custard over bottom.
• Peel bananas and slice half into pie, covering bottom evenly.
• Pour half the warm custard evenly over bananas.
• Repeat to layer remaining bananas and custard.
• Cover surface of custard with plastic wrap.
• Chill until cold, at least 2 hours.
• In a bowl, with a mixer on high speed, beat whipping cream and remaining sugar and vanilla until mixture holds soft peaks.
• Mound on pie and swirl to cover.
• Top with chocolate shavings, if desired.