Shelly's Recipe

CHOCOLATE AND PEANUT BUTTER MOUSSE PIE

Category: Pies - Cream and Custard

Graham Cracker Crust:
12 to 14 whole graham crackers, crushed (about 1 1/2 to 2 cups crumbs)
6 tbsp butter, melted

Dark Chocolate Layer:
3/4 cup heavy cream
4 oz semi-sweet chocolate, coarsely chopped

Peanut Butter Mousse Filling:
1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 tbsp cornstarch
1/8 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups milk
2 large egg yolks
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
3/4 cup creamy or chunky peanut butter

Topping and Decoration:
Sweetened whipped cream
2 tbsp crushed peanuts
3 tbsp mini chocolate chips

Prepare the crust: Preheat the oven to 350. In a small bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and butter, stir until well blended. Using the palm of your hand, press the moistened crumbs into the bottom and up the sides of an ungreased 9or 10-inch pie plate. Bake in the center of the oven for 7 to 8 minutes, or until the crust turns lightly golden. Set the pie crust on a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the chocolate layer: In a small saucepan, heat the cream over medium heat until it just comes to a simmer. Remove the pan from the heat, add the chocolate, and stir until melted and smooth. Pour the mixture into the cooled pie crust, smoothing it over the bottom and slightly up the sides. Freeze for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the chocolate layer is firm.

Prepare the mousse: In a heavy medium-size saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Add 1/2 cup milk and whisk until smooth. Add the remaining milk and the egg yolks and whisk until smooth. Set the saucepan over medium-high heat and whisk constantly until the custard comes to a boil. Still whisking, boil for 1 minute until very thick. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla and peanut butter. Pour the mousse into the baked pie crust. Chill for 1 hour, or until firm. Before serving, decorate the pie with whipped cream and sprinkle with the chopped peanuts and mini chocolate chips, if desired.