1 c. sugar
5 tbsp. flour or cornstarch (I use 3 tbsp. flour to 2 tbsp.
cornstarch)
1/2 tsp. salt
2 c. milk
3 egg yolks
1 tsp. vanilla
4 tbsp. butter

Combine sugar, salt, flour and cornstarch in saucepan or double boiler. Add beaten egg yolks and milk. Cook until thickened. Add butter and vanilla. Note: for the milk, I prefer 1 cup evaporated milk and 1 cup water. This recipe can be varied by adding other ingredients. For pineapple pie, add 1 small can drained crushed pineapple. For banana pie, spread layer of pie filling over bottom of baked pie shell. Add a second layer of sliced bananas and another layer of filling. Add a second layer of sliced bananas and the rest of the pie filling. Top with meringue. Sprinkle with coconut and brown in oven. Chocolate pie: add 3 tablespoons cocoa to dry ingredients at first. Note: for a richer chocolate flavor, add 1 square unsweetened chocolate to filling when butter and vanilla is added.

MERINGUE:

Beat 3 egg whites and 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar until
stiff, but not dry. Beat in 6 tablespoons sugar and 1 teaspoon
vanilla.