BANANA PIE WITH CARAMEL TOPPING OPTIONAL

Banana Pie with Caramel Topping Optional image

Provided by Pat Duran

Time 1h5m

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 8 or 9 inch baked pie shell
FILLING
3 Tbsp cornstarch
1/4 tsp salt
1 1/2 c water
2 or 3 medium bananas, sliced (i used 3)
14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp banana extract
2 Tbsp butter
3 large egg yolks, beaten- reserve whites
MERINGUE
3 large egg whites . reserved from above
1/2 tsp cream of tartar
2 Tbsp powdered sugar
GARNISH
1/2 c caramel ice cream topping (thick kind)

Steps:

1. Bake crust according to directions in your recipe or on package. Stir together cornstarch, salt and water in heavy saucepan. Whisk in sweetened condensed milk and egg yolks. Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened and bubbly, about 7 minutes. Remove from heat. Add butter and banana extract, blend well. Cool slightly. Heat oven to 350^.
2. Place 1/2 cup of the filling in bottom of baked crust. Slice bananas into pie shell. Pour remaining filling over bananas. Cool at room temerature , while making meringue .
3. Meringue. Beat egg whites and cream of tartar to soft peaks, Gradually beat in the powdered sugar for about 4 minutes ,until stiff peaks form. Spread immediately over hot pie, carefully sealing to outside edge of crust, so it does not shrink.Bake 15 minutes. Cool for 1 hour. Chill for 3 hours. To serve drizzle caramel sauce over top and sprinkle with chopped peacans or other nuts. Store covered in refrigerator, if any is left.