Grand Opening Treats!

For the fourth day of our grand opening celebration, I made one of our family's favorite cream pies (coconut cream) into mini tarts. Each day we've served one of my home baked treats to all who walk through the door. Yum!

I decided in the interest of time,to purchase the tart shells from a fine bakery in the area, and I was quite disappointed in them. They were too thick and not at all flaky. After they were filled and sat out for a time, the filling did seem to soften them up a bit, and they were a tiny bit better. But, I don't think I would purchase them again. I would try to find time to make my own!

Here is the recipe. Give it a try!

Susan's Banana Cream or Coconut Cream Pie

Combine in a heavy saucepan:

2/3 cup sugar

5 tbl flour

1/2 tsp. salt

3 cups whole milk

In a separate bowl, slightly beat 3 egg yolks.

Cook sugar and flour mixture on medium heat to boiling. Boil 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Add a small amount (few tbls) to the egg yolks, then beat the egg yolk mixture into the custard. Return to heat and boil one more minute, stirring constantly.

Pour into a large bowl. Fill a large bowl with cold water to use as a water bath. Cool the custard surrounded by the cold water. Add 1 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla and 4 Tbl butter. Stir with a wire whisk often, until cool.

Cover and refrigerate over night.

For coconut cream, add 1 cup shredded coconut. For banana cream, add three medium sliced bananas.

Fill cooled pie shell with filling and top with shipped cream.

One last note. Last night, I posted about returning to my roots. Check out this floral lapel creation!

I made these 20 years ago when I had a millinery business making hats and hair accessories. I sold to Nordstrom across the nation. Last week, a customer came into the store expecting to find some! I took the order and made one for her today.....now that's what I call returning to my roots, even if it was just for a minute!