BANANA SPLIT PIE

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and cornstarch.
• Gradually whisk in the milk until blended.
• Set over medium heat and cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture comes to a boil and thickens, about 5 minutes.
• In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolks.
• Gradually whisk in 1/2 cup of the hot thickened milk.
• Whisk the egg yolk mixture into the remaining milk in the saucepan.
• Boil the custard, whisking, for 1 minute.
• Remove from the heat and whisk in the butter, 1 tablespoon at a time, until melted.
• Blend in 1 teaspoon of the vanilla.
• Set aside, whisking occasionally, until cooled to room temperature.
• Cover with a sheet of waxed paper directly on the custard and refrigerate until chilled, about 1 hour.
• Whisk again to smooth out and then stir in the chocolate bits.
• Peel the bananas and slice fairly thinly crosswise on the diagonal.
• Line the bottom and sides of the pie shell with the banana slices.
• Pour in the chocolate chip custard and smooth the top of the custard in concentric circles.
• Whip the cream lightly.
• Beat in the confectioners' sugar and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon vanilla.
• Beat until stiff.
• Spread the whipped cream decoratively over the top of the pie.
• Strawberries are to be arranged decoratively on top of the pie.
• Sprinkle the chopped walnuts on top and set the cherry in the center.
• Refrigerate until serving time.