BASIC CREAM FILLING

Steps:

• Heat the milk in a heavy-bottomed pan until very hot but not boiling. Mix the sugar, flour and salt together in a bowl, stir in the hot milk and beat until well blended. Pour back into the pan and continue to stir vigorously over low heat for 4-5 min., until very thick and smooth. Add the egg yolks and cook for a few more minutes. Cool, stirring from time to time, then add the vanilla. You will have about enough filling for an 8 or 9 inch three-layer cake. Banana cream filling - omit the vanilla. Mash 1 large banana and beat it until smooth. Add 2 tbsp lemon juice, stir the mixture into the cooled filling.