I love pie. I think it is delicious and fun to make, and it is a great food that is perfect for sharing. It is such a wonderful way to bring people together. There's just something about everyone sitting around eating a slice of pie and maybe playing a game together or just chatting that I find so enjoyable. Below are some of the best pie recipes I've come across, as well as some tips for when you are preparing it. Enjoy!
Rich Dark Chocolate Pie
This is by far the most requested pie I have ever made! Although the recipe calls for dark chocolate chunks, you can really use any type of chocolate (chips, chunks or otherwise). If you would prefer a sweeter chocolate flavor as opposed to the rich flavor of dark chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate works as well. Another note: be sure to use evaporated milk and not sweetened condensed milk; there is a big difference between the two.
Ingredients:
1 1/4 C evaporated milk
2 large egg yolks
1 3/4 C dark chocolate chunks (the higher the percent of cocoa the better!)
1 9-inch graham cracker crumb crust (store-bought or use the recipe below)
Directions:
- Prepare the crust by either unwrapping it if it is store-bought, or by making one using the recipe below. Set aside.
- Place the evaporated milk and egg yolks in a saucepan. Using a wire/silicone whisk, mix together until well-blended. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture begins to thicken slightly. Do Not Boil! Mixture should begin to thicken after about 15-20 minutes, taking shorter or longer depending on how quickly the mixture heats, etc. (this will depend on your stove)
- Once the sauce begins to thicken, turn off the heat. Add the chocolate chunks to the mixture and stir until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared pie crust and refrigerate, covered, for about 3 hours or until firm. Tastes great topped with chocolate whipped cream!
Graham Cracker Crumb Crust
I typically use boxed graham cracker crumbs for my crust, although you can easily put some graham crackers in a food processor and make your own crumbs. If you chop your own graham crackers, you'll need about 5 ounces to make the amount you need for this recipe.
Ingredients:
1 1/3 C graham cracker crumbs
1/4 C sugar
6 Tbs butter, melted
Directions:
- Combine all ingredients and mix well until blended.
- Using the back of a spoon, press mixture onto bottom and up sides of a 9-inch pie pan; try to spread as evenly as possible.
- For frozen or refrigerated pies, place pie crust in refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes before using to make it firm. For all other pies, pre-bake the shell for 7-9 minutes in a 350 degree F oven.
copyright © 2008 Becky Ann Snook