Yummy, Yummy Chocolate Pie

This really is an old recipe! It was my job for my whole childhood (seems like it, anyway...) to stand at the stove and stir the melting chocolate and marshmallow so it wouldn't scorch. I was so happy to find it a few years ago with modifications for the microwave! Now, this pie filling is a snap! And a total crowd pleaser. FYI - I checked on Google for this recipe, and at least in the first several listed, did not find any quite like this. Similar, but not the same crust for sure. I really like the traditional pie crust. It balances out the richness of the chocolate, in my opinion.

So, start by making your pre-baked pie crust. I like to make a homemade crust, but when I'm in a hurry, I prefer the Marie Calendar brand frozen crust. I always let it thaw enough to re-crimp the edge. Then at least it looks homemade! :)

INGREDIENTS:
1/4 C milk - whole is best, but 2% will do fine
1 1/2 C miniature marshmallows
8oz. (1/2lb.) Hershey milk chocolate candy bar- with or without almonds.
1 C (1/2 pint) cold heavy whipping cream
1 traditional pie crust pre-baked and cooled

DIRECTIONS:
1. After you've baked your pie shell, break up the chocolate bar. Notice the nice square pieces? Well, this is important - you get to eat two of them while you make this pie! Or, you can give them to your children who may be clamoring for some of that huge candy bar. Just make sure you remove two of the little squares because you don't need quite all of the bar. You need 7oz. specifically. 2. In a microwave-safe measure cup, pour in the 1/4 cup of milk. Then add to that the 1 1/2 cup mini marshmallows. Large marshmallows will only work if you cut them up. Microwave at HIGH for 45 seconds, then stir well. Now microwave an additional 15 seconds at a time, stirring after each, until the marshmallows are melted. It should not take long!3. Add the chocolate pieces to the hot milk and marshmallow. Just stir it up and the chocolate will melt - no more cooking is necessary. Now set this yummy stuff aside and let it cool to room temperature.

4. When the chocolate mixture is almost cooled, you can start beating the cream. 1 cup of heavy cream - not cool whip, or anything sweetened. Just a 1/2 pint of heavy whipping cream, in a medium sized bowl, whipped until it's stiff.

5. Then, with hand mixer on the lowest setting, stir in the chocolate. YUM! Dump it all into your pie shell, smooth it, and swirl it so it looks pretty! Lick the bowl, and your done! The pie needs to be refrigerated, and will be set in about 4 hours. Overnight is even better - it slices up firm, and really cold and fluffy.

We usually add the sweet cream toppings just before eating. You can cover the whole pie, or just dollop cream on individual servings. I make these pies the day before Thanksgiving, and I always have a piece for breakfast after I get the turkey in...don't tell my kids...

Have Fun!

Rice Krispy Treats. Love Them.

Rice Krispy Treats have got to be one of my favorites. Let me tell you about these....
I worked at a coffee shop years ago where the owner made these at home and brought them in every morning. They would sell out within the first hour every time! I was lucky enough to get the instructions before I left for my summer job in the theater. I worked in professional summer stock theater for five years at the Jackson Hole Playhouse in Jackson, Wyoming. I actually managed the theater during the day, and was in the shows at night. Well, I started making these for the concession stand at the theater, and people would come in the next day and ask if there were any more that they could buy! Crazy - but they are just so perfectly soft and yummy. Addicting. I've had several (I never count) today.



I like to wrap them in individual squares - maybe it's habit, but I think that it keeps each serving softer, especially if they're just for an anytime treat. The wrap also provides a handy way to hold them (they should be called "rice krispy 'n sticky treats"). Paper napkins and krispy treats really don't get along! I also like to put a thick popsicle stick in them for a special look - parties or bake sales.

Famous Rice Krispy Treats

Supplies:

Jelly roll pan - makes 24 summer day squares, or 48 perfect little party treats

Large bowl that fits in your microwave - you could use a smaller one, then use a separate bowl for the final mixing if you have a really small microwave (where there's a will, there's a way).
Wooden spoon
Cooking spray - to coat your pan and fingers

Ingredients:

One large size box Rice Krispies - you can make your treats as gooey or as krispy as you like.
One 16 oz bag mini marshmallows - this has to be exact. I even prefer this brand marshmallow.
One cube butter or margarine - margarine treats stay softer longer, butter tastes a bit better.

How to make them:

These instructions are for a standard high wattage microwave. If yours is not so powerful, just make slight adjustments.

Melt the cube of butter in the large bowl. I put mine in for 1 minute. Dump the whole bag of mini marshmallows into the bowl and stir, completely coating the marshmallows with butter.

Take a moment to spray your pan with cooking spray.

Microwave the marshmallows for no more than 1 minute 30 seconds.

This is important! Less cooking time is what makes a soft treat.

The marshmallows will not look melted. See the picture below.

Just give them a vigorous stir and they'll become creamy.

Now gradually add the cereal to the marshmallows. I try to be careful so I don't crush up the Rice Krispys while I'm stirring. Use as much cereal as you like.
What's your Krispy treat style? I'm kind of a traditionalist - I like them best plain.

The beauty of it is that the whole batch just falls out of the bowl into the pan. Hardly anything to wash out - it just takes a second with hot water.

Done! So fast and easy! Yummy, too.

Daniel is enjoying a treat.

So much that with his mouth full, he was only willing to squish his eyes up for a smile.

The End

p.s. Because our internet was down today, I've was not able to blog. I'll have to tell you about Camp Hideaway tomorrow. No time now - it's midnight. I think I need a snack...maybe another Rice Krispy Treat...