Chocolate Banana Cream Pie

Ingredients

• 1 prepared 9-inch pie crust
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups half-and-half
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup sliced banana
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Whipped cream, for topping

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the prepared pie crust in a 9-inch pie plate.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add the half-and-half and stir until smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and boils. Boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in the butter.
3. Beat the eggs in a small bowl. Gradually add 1 cup of the hot mixture, stirring constantly. Then, stir the egg mixture into the remaining hot mixture in the saucepan. Stir in the cocoa powder and vanilla.
4. Pour the mixture into the prepared crust. Arrange the banana slices over the top and sprinkle with the chocolate chips. Bake for 35 minutes, or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.
5. Cool completely on a wire rack and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. Top with whipped cream and enjoy!

Interesting Facts

• Bananas are the world's fourth-largest fruit crop.
• Chocolate is made from the seeds of the cacao tree.
• Cream pies have been around since the 16th century.