FOR THE CRUST: Mix dry ingredients together. Add the melted shortening and stir together. Use half of this mixture to line an 8 or 9-inch pie pan, pressing mixture to bottom and sides with fingers. Save the other half of mixture for topping.

FOR THE FILLING: Mix egg yolks and milk in top of a double boiler. Mix sugar and cornstarch and add to egg mixture. Cook until mixture coats a spoon, stirring constantly. Add vanilla. Cool slightly and pour into pie crust. Top with merengue. Sprinkle with reserved crumb mixture. Bake at 400� until merengue is slightly browned, about 5 to 10 minutes. Cool several hours (at least 2) to allow filling to set before serving.

Serves: 6 to 8