CRUST: With rolling pin, crush enough pretzel sticks to make 3/4 cup COARSE crumbs.

In 9" pie plate, blend crumbs with 1/4 cup soft butter and 3 tablespoons sugar. Press to bottom and sides of plate; chill; then fill.

FILLING:

1 env. unflavored gelatin
1/2 c. granulated sugar
1/8 tsp. salt
3 egg yolks
1 1/4 c. milk
Rum or brandy to taste (1 or 2 tbsp.)
3 egg whites
1/2 - 1 c. heavy cream, whipped
Nutmeg

1. Combine gelatin, 1/4 cup sugar and salt.

2. In double boiler top, beat egg yolks, stir in milk, gelatin mixture.

3. Cook over hot, NOT BOILING, water. Stir until custard coats spoon.

4. Stir in rum (brandy).

5. Refrigerate, stirring occasionally, until mixture mounds when dropped from spoon.

6. Beat until just smooth.

7 Beat egg whites until fairly stiff, gradually add 1/4 cup sugar, beating until stiff.

8. Fold in custard, whipped cream.

9. Turn into shell, sprinkle with nutmeg.

10. Refrigerate until set.

This will destroy any diet you can think of, but it tastes wonderful. I make it once a year, as dessert for New Year's Day dinner. A silver is all it takes. It can be frozen.