Baked 8 inch pie shell
1/2 c. sugar
3 tbsp. flour
1 tbsp. cornstarch
1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/2 c. milk
3 eggs, separated
1 tbsp. butter
1 tsp. vanilla

Combine sugar, flour, salt and cornstarch in top of double boiler, stir with a whisk. Whisk egg yolks into milk and gradually whisk into flour mixture. Add butter.

Place over rapidly boiling water so pan is touching water. Cook until thick and smooth, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and cool.

MERINGUE:

1/4 tsp. salt
3 egg whites
1/3 c. sugar

Combine 1/4 teaspoon salt with egg whites and beat until frothy, gradually add the 1/3 cup sugar and beat until peaks form.

Pour filling into baked pie shell and top with meringue. Bake at 350 degrees F. until lightly brown. Chill before serving.

VARIATIONS:

CHOCOLATE CREAM:

Add 1/3 cup cocoa to the flour, sugar, cornstarch mixture before adding milk and eggs.

COCONUT CREAM:

Add 1 cup flaked coconut to the finished filling and 1 teaspoon coconut flavoring.

BANANA CREAM:

Place 2 bananas, sliced and dipped in lemon juice, in pie shell and pour the pudding over the top.