Betsy's Birthday......

I probably shouldn't be typing this right now because at this minute the tornado siren's are going off.  Both boys are asleep in my bed, I have the weather radio on so for right now I feel OK.  We have had hail 3 times today and after a stint I had in tornado position in the boy's bathroom at school today I am SO ready for this day to be over!

As my school year is wrapping up I wanted to pay tribute to someone who has been one of the most positive forces in my life this year.  She is not the only one, mind you, but this post is about her and the pie I made her last week for her birthday!

Talk about caring, my co-worker Betsy is one of the most compassionate people you could ever know.  When I had my tumor removed in January she brought me not one but 2 meals.  I knew that while I was gone the kids I care for during the day would be in good, not just good but very capable hands.  She is a great mother and an awesome role model.  I say this with respect as she is older than me.....well...about 14 months older ;)

Betsy and I did the Komen 5K together last month and had a great time.  She tried to prepare me for the overwhelming feelings I would experience being surrounded by all of these people.  Survivors and their supporters.  She was right, I will remember that forever.

Here we are....now keep in mind it was very early and it was rainy :)

But back to the pie.  I wanted to make a dessert for our "It's your birthday so lets all bring in food and eat" day.  I asked her what her favorites were.  She told me she liked banana cream or chocolate pie.  Well, I couldn't decide so I dug deep in my recipe box for an old favorite.  Last time I made this (according to my notes) I soaked the bananas in rum before assembling the middle layer.  Obviously I couldn't do that this time.  You know...because we were working....at a SCHOOL!  Talk about a bad example!!

SO.... here is what I call Betsy's Chocolate and Banana Cream Pie.   Give yourself 3 hours TOTAL until you can eat this.  Make the time, you won't regret it.  I hope you enjoy it!


Betsy's Chocolate and Banana Cream Pie

1/2 C sugar
1/4 C cornstarch

1/4 tsp salt
1 C whipping cream
1 1/2 C WHOLE milk
3 egg yolks, lightly beaten
1 TB butter
2 tsp pure vanilla
1 9 inch pastry shell or pie crust (prepared)
4 (1 oz) squares semi-sweet chocolate
2 FIRM bananas, sliced


In a saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch and salt.  Gradually add milk and cream until smooth.  Cook and stir (I used a whisk) over medium-high heat until thickened and bubbly, about 2 minutes.
Add a small amount to the eggs (to temper..you don't want scrambled eggs in your custard, gross!)  and return to the pan.
Bring to a GENTLE boil and cook for 2 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in the butter and the vanilla.
Pour half into the pie shell (that is COOL), cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate.
Add the chocolate to the remaining custard and mix well.  Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.  DO NOT STIR!!
Arrange bananas on the bottom custard layer.  Carefully spoon the chocolate custard over the bananas making sure to cover all the way to the crust.  Refrigerate for at least 2 more hours.

OK, OK...I admit this is NOT a good picture.  This is the one I took at school before I cut it and we devoured it.  I took 7 other pictures which were mysteriously erased...Hmmmm.   BUT, you get the idea :)