French Silk Pie

Step 1

To make the crust, stir together chocolate crumbs and butter. Press into a 9" pie plate and up the sides. Set aside.

Step 2

In a large saucepan, whisk together sugar, eggs, cocoa and 1 cup cream until smooth.

Step 3

Place saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly, and cook until thickened (you will know when it's thick!).

Step 4

Strain through a fine mesh sieve into a large bowl and stir in chocolate, butter and vanilla until smooth.

Step 5

Set aside or refrigerate until cooled to room temperature -- 1-2 hours on the counter or 30-40 minutes in the refrigerator -- stirring occasionally.

Step 6

Whip chocolate mixture on high speed until slightly lightened in color -- about 5 minutes.

Step 7

Whip remaining 1 cup cream until stiff peaks form, and gently fold into chocolate mixture in two batches.

Step 8

Spread into prepared pie crust and refrigerate 6 hours or overnight, until set. Garnish with additional sweetened whipped cream before serving if desired.