Valentine's Day Treat

It was hard deciding what to post first...How should I make my debut? Should I go humble, or pull out all the stops? I think this recipe falls somewhere in the middle, and is quite appropriate for the Season of Pink and Red into which we are thrown every February--like it or not!

Sweetheart Custard Dessert

• Pastry for double-crust pie (9 inches)
• Confectioners' sugar
• CUSTARD:
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1-1/3 cups milk
• 2 egg yolks
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
• TOPPING:
• 2 to 3 cups sliced fresh strawberries
• 2 tablespoons semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon shortening

Directions:

Roll out each pastry between waxed paper into a 12-in. circle. (I always make my own simple Betty Crocker crust.) Using an 11-in.-wide heart-shaped pattern, cut each pastry into a heart shape. Don't worry if they aren't exactly the same. If one's a bit bigger, just use it as the bottom heart. Place on greased and floured baking sheets; prick with a fork. Bake at 450° for 7-9 minutes or until golden brown. Remove to wire racks to cool. Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar.
In a saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch and salt; gradually stir in milk until smooth. Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat; cook and stir 2 minutes longer.
Remove from the heat. Combine the egg yolks and lemon juice. Stir a small amount of hot filling into egg yolk mixture; return all to pan, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat. Stir in butter. Cover; refrigerate until cool.
In a mixing bowl, beat the cream and confectioners' sugar until stiff peaks form. Gently whisk the lemon custard, then fold in whipped cream.
Place one pastry on a serving plate; spread with half of the custard. Arrange half of the berries over custard. Top with remaining custard. Arrange remaining berries over filling. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and shortening. Drizzle over the top. Refrigerate until serving. Yield: 8-10 servings.



Our family loves this treat. We all eagerly anticipate its annual appearance on the table.