Pawpaw is an indigenous fruit to the U.S., its taste is similar to banana and is wonderful in this cream pie topped with a lofty golden meringue.

Pawpaw Pie

1 (9-inch) baked pie crust

3/4 cup granulated sugar

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or cornstarch

2 large eggs (reserve whites for meringue)

2 cups milk

1 cup pawpaw pulp

Meringue (recipe follows)

1. In large sauce pan, combine sugar and flour. Add egg yolks and milk. When well mixed add pawpaw pulp. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened.
2. Pour filling into baked pie crust.
3. Cover with meringue and brown in 350°F (175°C) oven. Cool completely before serving.

Makes 6 servings.

Meringue

3 egg whites, room temperature

1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

6 tablespoons granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. With electric mixer, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until foamy.
2. Beat in sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time; continue beating until stiff and glossy. Add vanilla. Do not under beat.

Recipe provided courtesy of Kentucky State University.

Words to The Pawpaw Patch Song:
Where, oh where, is dear little Nellie?
Where, oh where, is dear little Nellie?
Where, oh where, is dear little Nellie?
Way down yonder in the pawpaw patch.
Come on, boys, let's go find her.
Come on, boys, let's go find her,
Come on, boys, let's go find her,
Way down yonder in the pawpaw patch.
Picking up pawpaws, puttin' 'em in your pocket,
Picking up pawpaws, puttin' 'em in your pocket,
Picking up pawpaws, puttin' 'em in your pocket,
Way down yonder in the pawpaw patch.