ULTIMATE STRAWBERRY CREAM PIE

Steps:

• FOR CRUST: mix crumbs and butter till evenly coated.
• press into 9" pie plate and bake at 350 degrees about 7 minutes or until just brown.
• set aside to cool.
• FOR FILLING: scald milk over medium-low heat in saucepan.
• (till bubbles start forming around the edges) BE CAREFUL NOT TO OVERCOOK!
• this will lead to a burnt aftertaste.
• In another saucepan, combine the sugar, flour, and salt.
• slowly pour in and mix the scalded milk.
• cook over medium heat stirring constantly until the custard thickens.
• when it thickens up a bit, cover and cook for two minutes longer stirring occasionally.
• take custard and pour small amount into yolks mixing thoroughly, then slowly mix in the rest of the custard.
• stir in the butter and vanilla and return to the saucepan on medium for a minute or two longer stirring constantly.
• take off heat and let cool to room temperature.
• When all is cool, take sliced strawberries and scatter into crust as thickly as looks delicious to you.
• pour the custard over the berries and refrigerate covered at least several hours till set.
• FOR TOPPING: combine cream, sugar and vanilla in bowl, beat till slightly stiff.
• stir in crushed berries and beat until stiff.
• spread evenly over top of the the pie and place back in the refrigerator covered for another hour optimally.
• Remove from fridge and arrange sliced strawberries in a circular pattern on top and serve.