KISS ME I’M IRISH CHOCOLATE-MINT PIE

 St Patrick's Day, while not a legal holiday in the United States, is nonetheless widely recognized and observed throughout the country as a celebration of Irish and Irish American culture. Celebrations include prominent displays of the color green, eating and drinking, religious observances, and parades. The holiday has been celebrated on the North American continent since the late eighteenth century. The largest celebration in the United States is of course in New York City, but what is little known is that the second largest celebration is in Savannah, Georgia.  Observed on March 17^th, it commemorates the traditional death date of Saint Patrick, the celebrated patron saint of Ireland. Enjoy this holiday inspired dessert after your Saint Patty’s dinner.

 

INGREDIENTS:

9” pie crust from the frozen food section of your grocer

¼ pound butter (1 stick)
1 cup powdered sugar
3 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, melted
2 large eggs
¼ teaspoon peppermint extract

TOPPING:

¼ cup heavy whipping cream
1 tablespoon powdered sugar
¼ teaspoon vanilla
¼ teaspoon peppermint extract

PIE FILLING PREPARATION:
In a 400 over, bake the pie crust 10-12 minutes or until it just begins to brown. While crust is cooling, cream butter and sugar until well mixed. Add chocolate, eggs, mint extract and beat until smooth. Fill pie shell with filling and refrigerate overnight.

TOPPING PREPARATION:

Beat heavy cream, sugar, vanilla and mint extract until stiff peaks form. With a pastry bag, pipe whipped cream around the edge of pie and center of pie. Garnish with your choice of crushed walnuts or mint sprig.  Enjoy, JW