Fresh sliced strawberries are layered in a baked pastry crust and topped with a creamy homemade vanilla custard.

Strawberry Cream Pie

2 cups milk
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 large egg yolks, beaten
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups strawberries, sliced
1 (9-inch) baked pie shell

Sweetened whipped cream

1. In a saucepan over medium scald 2 cups milk or until tiny bubbles form around the edge of the pan.
2. In another saucepan combine 2/3 cup sugar, 1/2 cup flour, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Blend in the milk gradually to the flour mixture. Cook over low heat until thickened, stirring constantly.
3. In a bowl beat 2 egg yolks. Stir a small amount of the hot milk and flour mixture into the beaten egg yolks then return to the hot mixture. Cook for 1 minute then stir in 2 tablespoon butter and 1 teaspoon vanilla; cool.
4. Slice 4 cups strawberries; reserving 1 cup for garnish. Place the remaining strawberries in a 9-inch baked pie shell. Spread the custard on top. Chill.
5. Just before serving, garnish with reserved sliced strawberries.
6. Serve wedges of pie with a dollop of sweetened whipped cream.

Makes 8 servings.