Creamy Banana Pie

For my wonderful friend, Joyce Porter. She loves anything with bananas in it.

Creamy Banana Pie

1 envelope unflavored gelatin 1/4 cup cold water 3/4 cup sugar 1/4 cup cornstarch 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 3/4 cups milk 4 egg yolks -- beaten 2 tablespoons butter 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 4 medium firm bananas 1 cup heavy cream -- whipped 1 pastry shell (10 inches) -- baked Juice and grated peel of 1 lemon 1/2 cup apple jelly

Soften gelatin in cold water; set aside. In a saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch and salt. Blend in the milk and egg yolks; cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and bubbly, about 20-25 minutes. Remove from the heat; stir in softened gelatin until dissolved. Stir in butter and vanilla. Cover the surface of custard with plastic wrap and chill until no longer warm. Slice 3 bananas; fold into custard with whipped cream. Spoon into pie shell. Chill until set, about 4-5 hours. Shortly before serving time, place lemon juice in a small bowl and slice the remaining banana into it. melt jelly in a saucepan over low heat. Drain banana; pat dry and arrange on top of pie. Brush banana with the jelly. Sprinkle with grated lemon peel. Serve immediately.

Contributed by:

 * World Recipes Y-Group