FRENCH SILK CHOCOLATE PIE
4 ounces, dark chocolate, melted
1 tsp instant espresso powder (optional)
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/4 tsp salt
1 ½ cups white sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
4 eggs, fresh
1 pie shell, pre-baked for 10 minutes (follow directions)
Whipped Cream:2 cups of heavy cream 1 1/2 Tablespoons vanilla1/4 cup powdered sugar
Chocolate Curls:
Chocolate bar
Pre-Bake the Pie Crust:usually 350 for 10 minutes: follow directions on package.
Make the Chocolate Pie Filling:In small microwave safe bowl melt 4 ounces of dark chocolate pieces (stirring every 20 seconds until melted). Add 1 tsp espresso powder, stir and set aside to cool.
In a large bowl with an electric mixer beat 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, 1/4 tsp salt and 1 ½ cups of white sugar until fluffy (2 minutes). When melted chocolate is cooled, add slowly to the butter/sugar mixture while mixing on low. Add 1 tsp of vanilla extract. Beat the mixture thoroughly until combined (on a Kitchen Aid mixer, you will be using the whisk attachment).
Turn your mixer to a medium speed and over a period of 15 to 20 minutes add in the four eggs, one at a time, leaving about 5 minutes between each egg addition. Once the pie filling is well mixed, pour it into the baked pie shell. Smooth out the pie filling and place pie in the refrigerator to chill for at least two hours.
Make the Whipped Cream:
In a standing mixer with a wire whisk combine the heavy cream, vanilla and powdered sugar. Whip on low for about 30 seconds so it doesn’t splatter.Increase to high and whip until peaks form and can hold their shape…about 3 – 4 minutes (don’t over mix). Make the Chocolate Curls:
Using a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife shave the edge of the chocolate bar from top to bottom.
I pipe the whipped cream on the cold chocolate filling but you can just spread it all over too and then sprinkle the chocolate curls all over.
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