This is a great pie to make for a Valentine’s Day dinner, or just because you love someone. It should be named “I Love You Pie”, I think.
Ingredients:
Crust
- 1 ½ cups crushed chocolate wafer cookies
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 3 ½ cups half and half cream
- 4 large egg yolks
- 3 ½ ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 3 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon coffee liqueur
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping
- 1 cup chilled heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons instant coffee
- ½ vanilla bean
To Serve: chocolate-covered espresso beans
Directions:
Crust:
Preheat oven to 350˚F. Add butter and sugar to cookie crumbs and blend. Firmly press mixture into 9-inch-diameter glass or ceramic pie dish. Bake until crust sets, about 8 minutes. Cool.
Filling:
- Whisk sugar, cocoa, and cornstarch in heavy medium saucepan. Gradually whisk in half and half and then the egg yolks. Continue to whisk over medium-high heat until mixture thickens and boils, about 12 – 15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and add both chocolates and butter, whisking until melted and smooth. Mix in coffee liqueur and vanilla. Transfer filling to crust. Press plastic wrap directly onto surface of filling and chill until filling sets, at least 6 hours. (Can be made 2 days ahead. Keep chilled and covered.)
Topping:
- Beat all ingredients in large bowl until peaks form. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Rewhisk to thicken and smooth before serving, if necessary.)
- Peel plastic off of pie. Cut pie into fairly small wedges (it is quite rich). Spoon a good-sized dollop of coffee whipped cream on top of each slice. Garnish with chocolate-covered espresso beans and serve.
After-Thoughts:
This pie would also be delicious served with plain, sweetened whipped cream and fresh fruit (strawberries, raspberries, grilled bananas…).
Recipe Origin:
Based on a recipe from Bon Appetit, July 2003.