Blackbottom Pie III

This one is 'rumless,' but fantastic. It's what our family members request to have on their birthdays instead of birthday cake.

• Calories: 656 Calories

Ingredients

• ½ cup white sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 3 egg whites
• 2 cups milk
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 (9 inch) pie crust, baked
• 3 egg yolks, beaten
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 (.25 ounce) package unflavored gelatin
• ¼ cup cold water
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate curls (Optional)

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup sugar and cornstarch. Place egg yolks in a separate bowl and slowly whisk in scalded milk. Whisk in sugar mixture, then pour this mixture into top of a double boiler. Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat.

Step 2

Place 1 cup of hot custard mixture in a small bowl and stir in chocolate chips until mixture is smooth and chocolate is melted. Pour into bottom of baked pastry shell and chill in refrigerator.

Step 3

Soften gelatin in cold water for 5 minutes, then stir into remaining custard mixture. Chill until mixture is slightly thickened. In a medium glass or metal bowl, beat egg whites until foamy. Continue to beat while slowly adding 1/2 cup sugar, until whites form stiff peaks. Fold whites into custard mixture. Gently pour this mixture over chocolate layer in pastry shell. Chill until completely set, at least 4 hours.

Step 4

Just prior to serving, whip 1 cup cream until stiff. Garnish pie with whipped cream and chocolate curls if desired.