{thanksgiving favorites} - chocolate cream pie

This sweet pie plate was the home to many pies made by love. My husband had the most dear grandparents I knew. His grandmother always was giggling, always had a stash of peanuts and gum drops under the coffee table, always made the best chocolate chip zucchini bread and a fabulous pumpkin roll. I now am so very honored to have this beautiful and very sentimental pie plate. And although "grandma" made fabulous pies ... this pie dish was always filled with cookies - oatmeal and peanut butter I remember most. I love those memories of getting to know her, checking out her garden and enjoying her cooking. I feel so fortunate that my kids not only were able to meet their great grandmother but they also were able to know her. Thanks grandma we love you!

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Sometimes after all the dinner is done I am ready for a different taste. I have had cinnamon in the sweet potatoes and nutmeg in the mashed potatoes and the fragrant herbs in the stuffing. I need a new flavor... well not new but always a good ending to me - chocolate. We adore this pie. BUT warning. Let some time pass between the big meal and the pie. This is a rich lovely pie ... and if you are still too full there is always the next day!

chocolate dream cream pie by ann west

3/4 cup sugar

1/4 cup corn starch

1/2 tsp kosher salt

4 large egg yolks

3 cups whole milk

6 oz semi-sweet or bitter sweet chocolate (I believe in good chocolate!) - melted

2 oz unsweetened

2 tbls unsalted butter - soft

1 tsp vanilla

1 flaky pie crust

Melt your chocolate. I do this in the microwave by placing the chocolate in a bowl and heating at 50% of power for 30 seconds at a time - let sit for a couple of seconds stir and heat again until melted. - stirring after each heating until melted.

Whisk corn starch, salt and yolks in a heavy sauce pan. Add the milk in a slow stream. Brink this mixture to a boil and immediately reduce heat to a simmer and cook until thick. Force the pudding through a fine mesh sieve. Whisk in the melted chocolate, butter and vanilla. Place wrap over the top and let cool until room temp. Once cool spoon into pie shell and chill for at least 3 hours. Serve with soft whipped cream. delecious!