This basic cream pie filling is a wonderful base for any pie. All by itself, it's a deliciously thick and creamy vanilla custard. We love the suggestions Sena gives for add-ins to adjust the flavors ...

There is much to love about sweet, nutty pecan pie, but it's easy for this simple dessert to turn out tooth achingly sugary and void of pecan flavor, with a curdled filling sogging a leathery crust.