Mary's Cream Pie Recipe

Introduction:
Cream pies are a delicious and classic dessert that have been enjoyed for many generations. One such cream pie recipe is Mary's Cream Pie, which combines a smooth and creamy filling with a perfectly baked crust. This recipe has a rich history and is sure to become a family favorite. In this recipe, we will guide you through the process of making Mary's Cream Pie, from baking the crusts to preparing the filling and topping. We will also provide some helpful tips and fun facts along the way. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and let's get started!

Fun facts:
- Cream pies have been around since ancient times, with variations of the recipe found in different cultures throughout history.
- The first known mention of a cream pie recipe in America dates back to the 19th century.
- Cream pies became especially popular during the 1950s and 1960s when convenience foods like canned whipped cream and instant pudding mix became widely available.
- Cream pies are often associated with holidays and celebrations, such as Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Recipe:

Crust:
To begin making Mary's Cream Pie, you will need two pie tin crusts. You can either make your own crust or use store-bought crusts for convenience. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

1. Start by preparing the crust according to your preferred recipe or the instructions on the store-bought crust packaging. Roll out the dough and carefully line each pie tin with the crust, trimming any excess around the edges.

2. Once the crusts are in the pie tins, use a fork to prick the bottoms of the crusts. This will prevent air bubbles from forming during the baking process.

3. Place the pie tins in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the crusts are golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool while you prepare the filling.

Filling:
Now it's time to make the delicious cream filling for Mary's Cream Pie. This filling is made with a combination of milk, corn starch, sugar, eggs, and vanilla.

1. In a saucepan, combine 1 pint of milk, 1 generous tablespoonful of corn starch, and 2 tablespoonfuls of sugar. Stir well to mix all the ingredients together.

2. In a separate bowl, beat 2 egg yolks until they are well combined. Add the beaten egg yolks to the saucepan with the milk mixture, stirring constantly.

3. Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook the mixture, stirring continuously, until it thickens. This should take about 5-7 minutes.

4. Once the mixture has thickened, remove it from the heat and stir in 1 teaspoonful of vanilla extract. Mix well to incorporate the vanilla into the filling.

5. Allow the filling to cool slightly before pouring it into the two baked crusts. Smooth out the surface of the filling with a spatula.

Topping:
To add a sweet and fluffy topping to Mary's Cream Pie, we will make a meringue using egg whites and sugar.

1. In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. This means that when you lift the beaters out of the mixture, the egg whites will hold their shape and not fold over.

2. Gradually add 2 tablespoonfuls of pulverized sugar to the beaten egg whites, continuing to beat until the sugar is fully incorporated and the mixture is thick and shiny.

3. Spread the meringue over the cream filling in the two pies, making sure to cover the entire surface. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to create swirls or peaks on top of the meringue for added texture.

4. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the pies back in the oven. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the meringue is lightly browned.

5. Once the meringue is lightly browned, remove the pies from the oven and allow them to cool completely before serving. This will ensure that the filling sets properly and the flavors meld together.

Tips:
- To achieve a flaky crust, make sure that your butter or shortening is very cold before incorporating it into the dough.
- If you prefer a sweeter crust, you can add a sprinkle of sugar to the pie crust before baking.
- Be sure to chill the pie before serving for a refreshing and cool dessert experience.
- You can also personalize Mary's Cream Pie by adding a layer of sliced fresh fruit, such as strawberries or bananas, before pouring in the filling.

Similar recipe options:
If you enjoyed making and eating Mary's Cream Pie, you might also enjoy trying out some other delicious cream pie recipes. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Chocolate Cream Pie: Replace the vanilla in the filling recipe with melted chocolate or cocoa powder to create a decadent chocolate cream pie.

2. Lemon Cream Pie: Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the filling mixture for a refreshing lemony twist.

3. Coconut Cream Pie: Stir in about 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the filling for a tropical and creamy coconut cream pie.

Conclusion:
Mary's Cream Pie is a timeless dessert that combines a heavenly cream filling with a perfectly baked crust. With its rich history and endless flavor variations, this recipe is a must-try for any dessert lover. Whether you're making it for a special occasion or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, Mary's Cream Pie is sure to impress. So, gather your loved ones and enjoy a slice of this delicious pie that has been enjoyed for generations.

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