For pennies, my mother taught me. Much better and tastier than regular pies: not even crumbs remain

### **Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Pie Crust**: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If you’re using a store-bought pie crust, place it into a pie dish and crimp the edges to form a beautiful border. If you’re making your own crust, follow the recipe instructions and line your pie dish accordingly.

2. **Mix the Filling**: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the sugar, cornstarch, and any optional spices you’d like to add. Whisk in the eggs until smooth, followed by the milk and cream. Add the vanilla extract and stir until the mixture is well combined.

3. **Cook the Filling**: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, pour the mixture into the pan and stir constantly as it begins to thicken. Be sure to keep stirring to avoid lumps, and cook for about 5-7 minutes until the filling has thickened to a creamy, custard-like consistency.

4. **Pour Into the Pie Crust**: Once the filling is ready, remove it from the heat and carefully pour it into the prepared pie crust. Smooth the top with a spatula for an even finish.

5. **Bake the Pie**: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes. The pie should be golden brown on top, and a knife inserted into the center should come out clean. Keep an eye on the crust while baking to ensure it doesn’t over-brown—if necessary, cover the edges with foil to prevent burning.

6. **Cool and Serve**: Let the pie cool completely before serving. This allows the filling to set properly. Serve it as-is or top it with whipped cream or fresh fruit for added flair.

### **Why This Pie is So Irresistible:**

– **Buttery and Creamy Filling**: The custard filling is silky smooth, rich, and just sweet enough to satisfy your dessert cravings. The heavy cream makes it extra creamy, while the vanilla and optional spices add depth to the flavor.
– **Golden, Flaky Crust**: Whether you use a store-bought crust or make your own, the pie’s crust is perfectly baked—golden, flaky, and tender. It complements the creamy filling beautifully.
– **Simple, Budget-Friendly Ingredients**: This pie costs only pennies compared to other more complex desserts. The ingredients are basic, yet the result is anything but ordinary.

### **Why This Pie is Better Than Regular Pies:**

– **Faster to Make**: While traditional pies often involve more preparation and longer baking times, this version is faster and easier to prepare. You’ll be enjoying your dessert in no time.
– **Rich Flavor**: Many pies are overly sweet or have a filling that lacks depth. The custard filling of this pie is well-balanced, offering a perfect mix of sweetness and richness without being too heavy.
– **Versatility**: You can easily tweak the recipe to match your preferences. Add some chocolate chips for a decadent twist, or top it with fresh berries for a fruity contrast. This pie serves as a great base for customization.

### **Tips for Success:**

– **Use Quality Ingredients**: While this pie is made with simple ingredients, using high-quality vanilla extract or fresh eggs can elevate the flavor even more.
– **Allow to Cool**: Let the pie cool completely before slicing. This helps the filling set and makes for a cleaner slice.
– **Add a Personal Touch**: Experiment with different flavor additions. A little almond extract, a squeeze of lemon, or a sprinkle of cinnamon can make all the difference.

### **Conclusion:**

This pie recipe is a tribute to the simplicity and deliciousness that my mother taught me. It’s a classic dessert that proves you don’t need fancy ingredients or techniques to create something truly memorable. The rich, custard filling combined with a golden, flaky crust makes for a dessert that’s better than most store-bought or complicated pies, and the best part is that it doesn’t cost a fortune to make.

The next time you’re looking for a quick, easy, and tasty dessert, give this recipe a try. You’ll be amazed at how something so simple can taste so extraordinary—and just like my mother’s pies, you’ll find that not even a crumb is left behind.