French Silk Pie

French Silk Pie is my absolutely favorite pie of all time. I finally broke down and made my own due to not having a place to buy it locally and wanting one for some time. It turned out fabulous! I don't think I will have to buy one any time soon but I do need to make one soon and invite friends!

French Silk Pie

Prep: 40 min. Cook: 10 min. + chilling Yield: 6 Servings

Ingredients

• 1 sheet refrigerated pie pastry (I make my own)
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup butter, softened
• 2/3 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 teaspoons confectioners' sugar
• Whipped cream and chocolate curls, optional

Directions

1. Cut pastry sheet in half. Repackage and refrigerate one half for another use. On a lightly floured surface, roll out remaining half into an 8-in. circle. Transfer to a 7-in. pie plate; flute edges.
2. Line shell with a double thickness of heavy-duty foil. Bake at 450° for 4 minutes. Remove foil; bake 2 minutes longer or until crust is golden brown. Cool on a wire rack.
3. In a small saucepan, combine sugar and eggs until well blended. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture reaches 160° and coats the back of a metal spoon. Remove from the heat. Stir in chocolate and vanilla until smooth. Cool to lukewarm (90°), stirring occasionally.
4. In a small bowl, cream butter until light and fluffy. Add cooled chocolate mixture; beat on high speed for 5 minutes or until light and fluffy.
5. In another large bowl, beat cream until it begins to thicken. Add confectioners' sugar; beat until stiff peaks form. Fold into chocolate mixture.
6. Pour into crust. Chill for at least 6 hours before serving. Garnish with whipped cream and chocolate curls (Pampered Chef has the Garlic Slicer that makes fabulous chocolate curls) if desired. (Now I like lots of whipped cream on top as you can see from the picture so go at it!!)  Refrigerate leftovers. Yield: 6 servings.