Grandma’s Chocolate Pie

Back in the day, there were three main ways you got your recipes. You got them from your mother, grandmother, favorite aunt. You got them from neighbors and friends. Or you got them from a cookbook or magazine. Well, this recipe comes from my mom from her mom, who got it from a friend, who got it from the Hershey’s cookbook. And it is AWESOME!!!

All y’all know I love chocolate. A lot. So much so that it’s its own food group in my food pyramid. Personally, I think all meals, including breakfast, should start with – and end – with dessert. And about 99.999% of the time, by dessert, I mean chocolate!

Since I’m late in releasing a recipe today (it’s Saturday; I’ve got a note), I’ll skip the long set-up and get straight to the fun, OK? Let’s go!

Ingredients:

Pie crust
2/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup cornstarch
1 to 2 teaspoons cinnamon (to taste)
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 egg yolks
3 cups whole milk
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 cups HERSHEY’S SPECIAL DARK Chocolate Chips

Instructions:

Bake pie crust according to directions. Set aside to cool.

In a 2-quart or large pot, thoroughly combine sugar, cornstarch, salt and cinnamon. Set it all aside so they can all get to know each other and get happy.

In a large bowl beat the bejeebers out of the eggs. Then add milk and stir like crazy to combine, so they’re happy, too.

Slowly add milk/egg mixture to pot, stirring constantly.

Cook mixture over medium heat until it boils, then let boil, while stirring constantly, for one minute.

Remove from heat and add butter and vanilla, stirring to incorporate. Add chocolate chips and stir until they are thoroughly combined. Now everything should be really, really happy and ready for the pie crust.

Pour mixture into baked pie crust. Press plastic wrap on top of filling. Cool on counter top for an hour, then refrigerate for several hours until the filling is good and firm.

To serve, top with whipped cream and more chocolate chips, if desired.

That’s almost enough whipped cream. Almost.

Notes:

As for the pie shell, Let me strongly recommend you get your own pie plate and not buy the pre-made crumb crusts. This pie is best with a real pie crust. You can get them all rolled out and ready to bake. You’ll usually find them near the biscuits. Just follow the directions on the package and it will turn out beautifully.

Yes, you caught me. The addition of cinnamon is all my idea. Leave it out if you have to, but you’ll be missing a really cool layer of flavor.

Don’t use skim milk. And don’t use margarine. They’ll just make your pie taste funny. If you want to watch calories, eat a smaller piece. Seriously. You’ll be happier that way, and so will your pie.

Instead of, or along with, chocolate chips, you could sprinkle some walnut or pecans pieces over each slice.

If you’re like me, you’ll need a LOT of whipped cream. A truck load. Because if I can see the pie at all, there isn’t enough whipped cream! But, hey, that’s just me. And no, it doesn’t look nearly as elegant as a dollop here and there. But, man! Is it good? You bet your Manly Apron, it is!

Next time your in the mood for a good dessert – or breakfast – try this one out and tell me if it isn’t one of the best chocolate pies you’ve ever tasted. And, of course,

Play with your food!

Lane

I have more Dessert Recipes here.

Did you like this recipe? What recipes would you like to learn? Leave me a comment and tell me your thoughts! (And don’t forget to LIKE this post!) Share it using the tiles below.

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