CaityPies: Making Pies in Nashville
Some Damn Good Pie in East Nashville
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 2 cups flour, divided
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup lard or shortening
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup ice cold water
- 1 egg, beaten
Chocolate Filling
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 egg yolks
- 2 cups whole milk
- 3 ounces unsweetened baking chocolate
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2-4 tablespoons Crème Liquor (to taste)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons confectioners sugar
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract (or a shot of peppermint schnapps)
- Peppermint candies for decoration
Preparation
1. To prepare crust, mix 1 ½ cups flour and salt. Mix in butter and shortening with fingers or pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse meal. Add water and stir with a fork until mixture holds together. Form into a ball and wrap in plastic wrap. Flatten to a 1-inch thick disk. Chill one hour.
2. Roll pastry on lightly floured surface into a rough 15-inch circle. Place dough inside pan and prick holes in dough with a fork. Allow to rest in fridge for at least 1 hour and up to 1 day.
3. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line pie with wax paper and fill with dried beans or pie weights. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the crust looks firm. Remove the wax paper and brush with beaten egg. Return to oven for 10-15 minutes, until crust is golden brown and crispy. Allow to cool completely.
4. To prepare Chocolate Filling, mix granulated sugar, cornstarch, and remaining ½ tsp salt in a saucepan. Add egg yolks, ½ cup of milk, and whisk well. Add in remaining 1 ½ cups of milk and heat over medium high heat, whisking constantly for 5-8 minutes or until mixture thickens. Add chocolate and butter and whisk until melted. Whisk in crème liquor to taste.
5. Immediately pour chocolate filling into crust. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for 2-4 hours.
6. Beat heavy cream to soft peaks, about 2 minutes. Slowly add confectioners sugar and remaining 1 tablespoon cornstarch (not necessary if serving immediately, but good for strengthening whipped cream if transporting or holding 1-2 days). Add Peppermint extract (or schnapps) to taste. Dot pie with whipped cream. Serve chilled.
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