My Mom and I have used this recipe for years. It is hard to beat.

* Exported from MasterCook *

Vanilla Pie Filling

Recipe By :
Serving Size : 1 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories : Pies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
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3 cups milk
3 egg yolks
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup plus 2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 Dash salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons butter (up to 4 tablespoons)
9 inch baked pie shell

Mix everything, with exception of butter and vanilla together in saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened. Remove from heat. Add butter and vanilla. Stir until butter melted. Place Saran wrap over top until it is completely covered. Let cool completely in refrigerator. Use for banana cream or coconut cream pie. To make chocolate pie: Use 5-6 rounded soup spoonfuls of cocoa. Add cocoa to milk mixture before cooking; then follow directions as given.

Can make filling in microwave on medium high setting. Combine all ingredients except butter and vanilla. Place in microwave and cook for 5 minutes. Stir, using a whisk. Cook for 5 minute intervals, stirring between each. Takes about 12 to 15 minutes. Remove from microwave and stir in vanilla and butter.

Use for filling in banana cream, coconut cream, and raisin cream pies. To fix raisin cream pie take however many raisins you want and pour boiling water over them. Let set for 1/2 hour or until cool. Drain thoroughly and stir raisins into the cream filling. For coconut cream pie just stir in however much angel flake coconut you want to use (I usually put Cool Whip on top of this instead of a meringue and then sprinkle toasted coconut on top).

Store all pies in the refrigerator. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

NOTES : Mom and I don't think that there is a better vanilla pie filling than this one.