1 c. plus 4 tbsp. sugar
5 tbsp. cornstarch
1/2 tsp. salt
4 tbsp. cocoa
4 egg yolks
2 c. milk
2 tbsp. butter
2 tsp. vanilla

Combine sugar, cornstarch, salt, cocoa, egg yolks, and milk thoroughly (with mixer or wire whisk). Cook in double boiler until thick. You can cook in the microwave. Remove from heat or microwave and add butter and vanilla. Beat until smooth. Pour into baked pie shell. (This makes 1 deep-dish pie or 2 regular pies.) Top with meringue.

MERINGUE:

4 egg whites
8 tbsp. sugar
1 tsp. cream of tartar
1/2 tsp. vanilla

Let egg whites stand at room temperature. Add cream of tartar and beat at high speed of electric mixer until soft peaks form. Gradually add the sugar until all is well blended. Add the vanilla and beat until stiff peaks form. Cover top of pie, sealing at edges. Brown in 350 degree oven (just until lightly brown).

I've also been asked often how I make pie crust. It's very easy just to get a frozen pie shell out of the freezer, but unfortunately my family just doesn't like the easy way, they're "made from scratch" pie crust lovers. Below is my recipe for plain crust. It's simple and delicious.

PIE CRUST:

3 c. plain flour
1 1/4 c. shortening
1 tsp. salt
1 egg
5-7 tbsp. ice cold water
1 tbsp. vinegar or lemon juice

Sift flour into bowl and cut in shortening with pastry blender or knife. Add salt. Blend egg, water, and vinegar or lemon juice thoroughly and add to flour mixture. Stir until mixture forms a ball. Put on floured surface and knead lightly. Divide dough into four portions. Roll dough to fit pie plates. Put into pie plates and prick with fork (only if empty crusts are to be baked).

Bake at 375-400 degrees until lightly browned. If all of the dough is not used, it can be refrigerated for several days or frozen.