Happy Pi(e) Day!

PPPIIIIEEEEEEE!

Well, not that kind of pie exactly. 

As it's March 14, 3.14, all the mathematics types have declared today Pi Day which made all of us food types declare today Pie Day! In honor of 3.14 I made a Chocolate Cream Pie.

This pie is rich and creamy - decadent even. Not for the faint of heart.

Chocolate Cream Pie with Cookie Crust

     from Cooking Light

Ingredients for the Crust

20 Oreos

3 oz. bittersweet chocolate, melted

1 tbsp canola oil

For the Filling

¾ cup sugar

¼ cup cornstarch, plus more for thickening, as needed

¼ cup cocoa powder

¼ tsp salt

1¾ cups whole milk, divided

2 egg yolks

4 oz. bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped

1 tsp vanilla

For the Topping

1 cup heavy whipping cream

spoonful of powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla

Directions

For the crust, ground the Oreos in a food processor. Add in or stir in the melted chocolate and oil. Pour out into a 9-inch pie pan and press down and up onto the sides. Freeze until set, 15-30 minutes.

Melting the chocolate

For the filling, whisk together the sugar, ¼ cup cornstarch, cocoa powder, and salt, transfer to a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add half of the milk and both egg yolks, stirring until smooth. 

Whisking in the milk and egg yolks

Add in the rest of the milk and stir for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and add in the chopped bittersweet chocolate and vanilla. Stirring until smooth. If the custard is not thickening, return to the stove and add 1 tbsp of cornstarch. Keep stirring until the custard is very thick, adding a dusting of cornstarch, if needed. Remove from heat and stir until the custard is cool. Pour into the perfectly set cookie crust, smooth the top, and freeze for 4 hours or over night. 

Secret weapon: Madagascar Vanilla

You want the whipped cream to chill (on top of the pie) for about 20 minutes. To make the whipped cream, add the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla to a standing mixer and beat until peaks form. Top your pie with a hefty dollop of whipped cream and return to the frig for 20 minutes or so then, serve it up.

My pie had a rough night in the freezer but it doesn't matter as it will be covered in lovely whipped cream :)

This pie is rich, smooth, and chocolaty. All you chocoholics will be in heaven.

Happy Pi Day!