No-Bake Pie Cream

I'm sure you've already been in a situation where you have to whip up a dessert last minute...in that situation you don't have much time to think, you basically have to rely on what's in your fridge or pantry and a fail proof recipe as your allies. This recipe has never -I mean never failed me. It has proven to be a crowd pleaser and if you're like me who always have a can or two of peaches or pineapples.. (Of course if you have fresh strawberries, raspberries or even bananas--fresh fruit always better) then you're home free.

Having said all that...It's really about the cream. The heart of it all! So let me introduce you to my No-Bake Pie Cream. That's what we're going to call it because i really dont have a name for it. You can make it with or without a pie crust depending on your time or mood. In this case, my son had a few friends over (boys ;) ) so I figured it would be a lot easier to just serve them invidividually. I used some left over merengue cookies that I baked a couple of days ago but the options are endless. I told you to rely on your pantry so wafers, cookies, store bought pound cake, would be good options too. I had a very ripe pineapple in the fridge so I also took advantage of that and caramelized it with a bit of butter, brown sugar and vanilla. So here we go. Try it and I assure you, you will make it again.

1 can condensed milk 395 grams

1 can whole milk (use can to measure milk)

2 egg yolks

3 tbsp cornstarch

1 tbsp vanilla

300 grams heavy cream

In a medium sauce pan, under medium heat mix the condensed milk, 2 beaten egg yolks, cornstarch and vanilla. Don't stop mixing until the milk mixture gets thick and starts to bubble a bit on the sides. About 10 minutes. Set aside and cool. Once completely cooled add the heavy cream.

For the caramelized pineapple. One medium pineapple skinned, sliced into cubes, 1 tbsp unsalted batter, 1 tbsp brown sugar. In a medium skillet, melt the butter, add the diced pineapples wait til golden then sprinkle the brown sugar. Toss and serve on top of cream. You can sprinkle some fresh coconut flakes and top with a mint leaf to add a bit of charm.p.s. toasted almonds as topping is so delish works perfectly as well.