Butterscotch Banana Pie Food

BUTTERSCOTCH-BANANA CREAM PIE

Steps:

• Mix pudding mix and milk in medium saucepan. Bring to full boil on medium heat, stirring constantly.
• Slice 1-1/2 of the bananas; spread onto bottom of crust. Cover with pudding.
• Refrigerate 4 hours. Spread COOL WHIP over pie just before serving. Slice remaining banana; arrange over pie.

BUTTERSCOTCH BANANA CREAM PIE

Steps:

• In a large bowl, stir the flour and sugar together. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, work the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse meal. Sprinkle on 3 to 4 tablespoons of the eggy water, and mix it in with your fingers just until the dough comes together into a ball. Working on a lightly floured surface, take egg-sized pieces of the dough and smear them away from you with the heel of your hand into 6-inch streaks. Scrape up all the streaks of dough and pile them on top of one another to form a disk. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight. Set a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 400 degrees F. Lightly butter a 9 1/2-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to 1/8-inch thickness and place in the prepared pan, trimming the edges, and bake until light golden brown, approximately 20 minutes. Let cool completely. Pour the butterscotch filling into the pie crust that is still inside the tart pan and refrigerate for at least 3 hours. Slice the bananas, making concentric circles and top with sugar. Torch bananas briefly until golden and all the sugar is caramelized.
• In a bowl, whisk the cornstarch into 1/2 cup of the milk. Let rest for 1 minute, then whisk again. Whisk in the eggs, yolks, and vanilla. In a saucepan, over medium heat, bring the brown sugar, butter, bourbon, and the remaining 2 1/2 cups milk just to the simmering point (it will start to wiggle in the pot). While constantly whisking, slowly drizzle the hot liquid into the egg mixture. Return the mixture to the saucepan and, while constantly whisking and scraping the bottom of the pot, cook until tiny bubbles boil up for 10 seconds. Remove from the heat and strain.

BUTTERSCOTCH PIE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• In a medium saucepan, stir together the brown sugar, heavy cream and butter. Cook over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a full boil, becoming thick and brown, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat. Reserve 1 tablespoon of the milk. Slowly add the remaining milk to the sugar mixture.
• Whisk together the cornstarch, egg yolks, vanilla and reserved 1 tablespoon of milk in a medium bowl. Add the cornstarch mixture to the sugar mixture over medium-low heat and cook, stirring constantly, until thick, about 3 minutes. Pour the filling into the prebaked pie crust.
• Make a meringue by beating the egg whites and a pinch of salt with an electric mixer until they begin to set stiff. Add the granulated sugar and continue beating until the whites are stiff and hold peaks. Spread the meringue on top of the pie, taking care to spread it to the edges of the crust. Bake until light brown, about 10 minutes.

BUTTERSCOTCH BANANA PIE

Steps:

• Make pastry dough:
• In a bowl with a pastry blender or in a food processor blend or pulse together flour, butter, shortening, and salt until mixture resembles coarse meal. Add 2 tablespoons ice water and toss with a fork or pulse until water is incorporated. Add enough remaining ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, tossing or pulsing to incorporate, until mixture begins to form a dough. On a work surface smear dough in 3 or 4 forward motions with heel of hand to slightly develop gluten in flour and make dough easier to work with. Form dough into a ball and flatten to form a disk. Chill dough, wrapped in plastic wrap, 1 hour. Makes enough dough for a single-crust 9- to 10-inch pie.
• Make pie:
• On a lightly floured surface roll out dough into an 11-inch round (about 1/8 inch thick) and fit into a 9-inch (1-quart) metal pie plate, crimping edge decoratively. Prick shell all over with a fork and chill 30 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 375°F.
• Line shell with foil and fill with pie weights or beans. Bake shell in middle of oven 15 minutes. Carefully remove foil and pie weights or beans and bake shell 5 minutes more, or until pale golden. Cool shell on a rack.
• In a large heavy saucepan bring milk just to a boil and remove pan from heat. In a large heatproof bowl whisk together yolks, whole egg, cornstarch, and brown sugar until combined well. Gradually whisk in hot milk and pour mixture into pan. Cook mixture over moderately high heat, whisking constantly, until it just comes to a boil and is thickened. Remove pastry cream from heat and, scraping with a spatula, force through a fine sieve set over another large heatproof bowl. Whisk in butter until incorporated.
• In a very small saucepan sprinkle gelatin over water and let stand about 1 minute to soften. Heat gelatin mixture over low heat until gelatin is dissolved. Stir gelatin mixture into pastry cream and cool.
• In a dry heavy saucepan cook granulated sugar over moderate heat, without stirring, until it begins to melt. Continue cooking sugar, stirring with a fork, until melted and swirl pan until caramel is a deep golden. Remove pan from heat and carefully add 1/3 cup heavy cream down side of pan (caramel will bubble up and steam). Return pan to heat and simmer, stirring, until caramel is dissolved. Stir in vanilla, Scotch, and salt until combined and cool sauce. Stir sauce into pastry cream until combined well.
• In a bowl beat 1/2 cup remaining heavy cream until it just holds stiff peaks and fold into pastry cream. Cut 2 bananas into 1/4-inch slices and fold into pastry cream. Pour filling into shell and chill, covered loosely, 4 hours or overnight.
• Beat remaining 1/2 cup heavy cream until it just holds stiff peaks and spread on pie. Cut remaining banana into 1/4-inch slices and arrange decoratively on pie.

BUTTERSCOTCH PIE

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, combine the milk and cream, and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Immediately turn off the heat and set aside.
• In a large, heavy skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Stir in the brown sugar, raise the heat to medium-high, and cook 5 to 7 minutes, stirring constantly, to caramelize the mixture. (You will smell a characteristic nutty-caramel odor when the butter browns, signaling that the mixture is ready.)
• Whisking constantly, gradually add the butter/brown sugar mixture to the hot milk/cream mixture. If the mixture is not smooth, blend for 20 seconds with a hand blender or pour through a fine sieve.
• Put the egg yolks in a medium bowl. Whisk in about 1/2 cup of the hot milk mixture. Whisk in the cornstarch and salt until dissolved. Whisk the cornstarch mixture back into the hot milk mixture in the saucepan. Add the scotch and whisk in.
• Whisking constantly, cook over medium-high heat until thick and just boiling. When the mixture thickens, the whisk will leave trail marks on the bottom of the pot and the mixture will have a few large bubbles boiling up to the top.
• Turn off the heat and whisk in the vanilla extract. Pour into the pre-baked pie shell and chill, uncovered, at least 2 hours, or overnight.
• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
• For the meringue top: Whip whites with the salt to soft peaks, then add sugar and whip until sugar is dissolved and whites are glossy. Spread meringue on top of the slightly cooled pie and bake for 5 minutes until lightly browned (cappuccino colored). Chill until ready to serve.
• In a mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), mix the flour, salt, and sugar for 1 minute. Add the butter and mix just until you have a crumbly, sandy mixture. You should still be able to see the pieces of butter.
• In a small bowl, stir the water and vinegar together. With the mixer running at medium speed, drizzle in the water-vinegar mixture and mix just until a dough forms. You should still see small bits of butter.
• Turn out onto a work surface, divide the dough in half, and shape into round, flat disks. Wrap separately in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 30 minutes before using. (Or, refrigerate up to 48 hours or freeze up to 1 month before using. If frozen, let thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rolling out.)
• When the time comes to roll out the dough, let the dough warm up for a few minutes at room temperature. Dust a work surface with just a few tablespoons of flour and keep some extra flour at hand. If you like, you can roll out the dough between two sheets of waxed paper (flouring the bottom sheet and the top of the dough before rolling), which makes it much easier to transfer to the pan later on. However, you won't be able to check the progress of the dough as easily. It's entirely up to you.
• Sprinkle a little flour on top of the dough and start rolling outward from the center with quick, light strokes. Don't worry if the edges split a bit; concentrate on getting a good circle going from the center. Lift up and rotate the dough 1/4 turn every minute or so to help ensure even rolling. The dough should feel smooth and soft; some say it should feel like the inside of your forearm. If it gets sticky, sprinkle on a bit more flour, but don't do this more than two or three times; the dough will absorb too much flour. Instead, put it back in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to firm the butter up. Keep rolling until the circle is at least 2 inches larger than your pan (for example, 11-inches wide for a 9-inch pie pan), or 3 inches larger for deep-dish pies.
• Set your pie or tart pan nearby. We always use heavy aluminum pans, because glass pans seem to bake the crust too fast. However, we know that the advantage of glass is that you can easily check the color of the crust. Again, it's up to you. Either choice will work.
• To transfer the crust to the pan, we find it easiest to roll a finished crust up onto the rolling pin, then gently unroll it in the pan. Or, you can fold it gently in quarters, lift it up, position the center point on the center of the pan, and unfold it into the pan. If using waxed paper, peel off the top layer, turn the crust gently into the pan, and peel off the remaining paper. Make sure that the dough is allowed to settle completely into the pan.
• Don't stretch and press the dough into the corners; stretched dough will likely shrink back when you bake it. Instead, lift the edges of the crust to let it settle down into the corners. If the dough tears a bit, don't be concerned; it will patch easily. Using scissors or a sharp knife, trim the dough to within 3/4-inch of the rim. Use any extra scraps to patch the crust, pressing with your fingers (wet them if necessary) or set aside.
• For a single-crust pie: Working around the rim, turn the crust under itself (not under the rim of the pan) to make a thick edge, pressing it firmly against the pan to reduce shrinkage. To decorate the rim, just press it all around with the back of a fork. For a slightly more advanced look, press the thumb and forefinger of one hand together. Use them to gently push the thick dough rim outward, while pushing inward with the forefinger of the other hand, so that they intersect in a "V" with the dough in between. Repeat all around the rim to make a wavy edge.
• Chill the finished crust or crusts for 20 to 30 minutes before filling the pie. When the bottom crust is filled, rest the top crust on top and pinch the edges together, turning them under all the way around. To decorate the rim, just press it all around with the back of a fork. For a slightly more advanced look, press the thumb and forefinger of one hand together. Use them to gently push the thick dough rim outward, while pushing inward with the forefinger of the other hand, so that they intersect in a "V" with the dough in between. Repeat all around the rim to make a wavy edge.
• For a prebaked pie or tart crust (blind baking): Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line the inside of the chilled crust with aluminum foil (don't turn it down over the rim, but leave the extra sticking up so that you have something to hold on to). Fill the foil all the way up to the top of the shell with pie weights or dried beans. Bake 25 to 30 minutes, until dry and beginning to turn "blond". Lift the foil and weights out of the shell and bake another 10 to 15 minutes, checking frequently to prevent overbaking, until medium brown.
• Yield: 2 crusts
• Preparation time: 15 minutes plus rolling and shaping
• Cooking time: 30 minutes
• Ease of preparation: moderate
• Recipe courtesy Gale Gand, "Butter Sugar Flour Eggs" by Gale Gand, Rick Tramonto, Julia Moskin: Clarkson N. Potter Publishers, 1999

BUTTERSCOTCH BANANA PECAN PIE

Steps:

• Place sliced banana on cooled pie crust and sprinkle with chopped pecans. Top with prepared Butterscotch Pudding mixture.
• Place pie in freezer for about 4 hours (to set).
• Dollop Cool Whip on top of pie and smooth dollops with a knife over the pie. Keep in freezer. Serve cold.

SILKY BUTTERSCOTCH-BANANA PIE

Steps:

• In a small saucepan, scald the milk over medium-high heat and set aside to cool. Whisk together the whole egg, egg yolks, cornstarch, and brown sugar in a medium bowl, then whisk in the cooled milk. Pour the mixture back into the pan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat, whisking constantly. Remove from heat, strain, and then whisk in the butter. Soften the gelatin in 1 tablespoon cold water and whisk into the egg mixture. Let cool. Caramelize the granulated sugar in a clean, dry pot by adding just enough water to liquefy it (2 or 3 tablespoons) and cooking over medium-high heat until it turns deep, golden brown. Remove from the heat and carefully pour in 1/3 cup cream. Whisk together and add the vanilla, scotch, and salt, then whisk into the egg mixture.
• Using a wire whisk or an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whip the remaining 1 cup of cream to stiff peaks. Set aside approximately 1 cup for garnish and fold the remaining cream into the pastry cream in thirds, mixing thoroughly but gently. Fold in two thirds of the sliced bananas and spread the mixture into the baked pie shell. Chill for at least 3 hours, or up to 12 hours. Garnish with the remaining bananas and whipped cream.
• Notes
• When trying to cook caramel to just the right deep amber color, pay attention to the depth of the syrup in the saucepan. If sugar syrup is less than 1/2 inch deep, it will be ready when it appears deep amber. If it's deeper than 1/2 inch, the color will actually appear darker in the saucepan than it will when you pour it out-so cook it a little bit longer, to a color slightly darker than deep amber. Once the sugar starts to color, watch it closely and react quickly-it can burn in a flash. For that reason, it's good to have a bowl of ice water handy for setting the pot in to stop the cooking, if necessary.
• If you make a 9- or 10-inch tart instead of a pie, chances are you'll have about a cup of leftover filling. No worries-topped with additional sliced banana, it makes a delicious pudding for the cook or cook's helper.

BANANA BUTTERSCOTCH CREAM PIE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• To make the crust, generously butter a 10-inch (25-cm) pie plate. In a medium bowl, mix together the chocolate cookie crumbs, the 3 tablespoons (45 g) sugar, and 4 tablespoons (2 ounces/60 g) melted butter until evenly moistened. Pat the mixture in an even layer into the bottom and up the sides of the buttered pie plate. Refrigerate or freeze for 30 minutes.
• Bake the crust until if feels slightly firm, about 10 minutes. Let cool completely.
• To make the filling, in a small saucepan, heat the brown sugar and the 2 tablespoons (1 ounce/30 g) butter, stirring, until the butter is melted. Pour into a large bowl, set a mesh strainer across the top, and set aside.
• In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with just enough of the milk to make a smooth slurry. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, warm the remaining milk and the salt. When the milk is hot, stir the cornstarch mixture to recombine, then whisk it into the milk in the saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture begins to boil and thickens. Whisk the egg yolks in a small bowl, then whisk a small amount of the hot thickened milk mixture into the yolks. Whisk the warmed egg-yolk mixture into the saucepan. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture returns to a boil and is as thick as mayonnaise. Pour it through the strainer into the butter-brown sugar mixture. Add the 2 teaspoons rum and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla and whisk until combined.
• Peel and cut the bananas into slices 1/4 inch (6 mm) thick and scatter them in the bottom of the cooled crust. Pour the filling into the crust, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until chilled, about 2 hours.
• To make the topping, in a stand mixer fitted with the whip attachment (or in a bowl by hand), whisk the cream on high speed until it begins to mound softly. Add the 1 tablespoon sugar and 2 tablespoons rum and continue whisking until the cream holds peaks. Spread or pipe the topping over the pie. Garnish with chocolate curls.
• The baked or unbaked crust can be refrigerated for up to 4 days, or frozen for up to 1 month. The pie can be refrigerated for up to 2 days, but whip the cream and top the pie with it a few hours before serving.

PRETZEL-CRUSTED BUTTERSCOTCH BANANA CREAM TART

Steps:

• Make the crust: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment.
• In the bowl of a food processor fitted with a blade attachment, pulse the pretzels until they're finely ground but not turned to dust. Some pretzel pieces should still be intact. Transfer the pretzel bits to a large bowl. Add the melted butter and brown sugar to the crushed pretzels and stir to combine.
• Place a 9-inch tart pan with removable bottom on the prepared sheet and, using a spoon, fill with the pretzel mixture and shape it so the edges are crisp and it's about 1/4 inch thick all over. Bake for 12 to 16 minutes and cool in the pan on a wire rack.
• Make the filling: Put a damp kitchen towel under a large bowl and whisk together the sugar, cornstarch and salt. (The towel will ensure the bowl doesn't slide around.)
• In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, warm the milk until it is above room temperature, about 4 minutes. With one hand, start whisking the cornstarch mixture; with the other hand, slowly drizzle the hot milk into the bowl, whisking until all the milk is incorporated.
• Pour the entire mixture back into the saucepan and cook on medium heat until the filling is thick, 2 to 3 minutes. Don't let it boil.
• Using a rubber spatula, pour the filling into a bowl, then stir in the butter and vanilla until the butter is melted and fully incorporated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, pressing down to make sure that the wrap and the pudding are touching. Refrigerate until it is cool to touch.
• Make the butterscotch sauce: Clip a candy thermometer to a large saucepan. Add the brown sugar, corn syrup, salt and 3/4 cup of cream to the pan and heat over medium-high heat until it boils, 3 to 5 minutes.
• Turn the heat down to medium-low and slowly heat the sauce until it reaches 234 degrees F, about 10 minutes.
• When the sauce reaches 234 degrees F, take it off the stove and let it cool for 5 minutes. Pour the sauce into a large bowl. Slowly stir in the butter until incorporated with a wooden spoon. Carefully drizzle in the remaining cream and the vanilla while stirring constantly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and set aside.
• Make the tart: Arrange half of the banana slices and chocolate chips if using in the bottom of the tart shell. Pour about half of the filling into the tart shell and spread it around evenly. Eat the remaining pudding with a spoon. (It tastes better if you share.)
• Arrange the rest of the bananas and chocolate chips if using on the top of the pastry cream. Put the tart shell in the fridge until you're ready to finish the tart.
• Make the topping: In the bowl of a stand mixer with the whisk attachment, whip the cream cheese until it is light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the confectioners' sugar, vanilla and salt and continue to whip, scraping down the sides as needed, until the mixture is well combined, about 1 minute.
• With the mixer speed on low, drizzle in the cream. Increase the speed and whisk, scraping down the sides as needed, until stiff peaks form, about 2 minutes. Detach the bowl from the mixer and set aside.
• Finish the tart: Remove the tart shell from the fridge. Using a rubber spatula, generously cover the tart with the topping. Artfully drizzle the butterscotch sauce over the pie.
• Using a cheese grater, rasp grater or vegetable peeler, shave milk chocolate over the tart. Slice and serve with more butterscotch sauce.