Grandma’s Chocolate Pie
There are pies, and then there is my grandma’s chocolate pie. It’s a luscious chocolate custard resting on a flaky, almost salty crust, topped with a springy meringue. For me, it’s la pièce de résistance, and whether times are good or times are bad, it’s always welcome and appropriate.
I can’t remember a period in my life when it wasn’t my favorite dessert. My family has always been pie eaters, but we fall into several camps: there are the peach enthusiasts, the pecan lovers, and then there are those of us who prefer the chocolate. My mom loves the chocolate best, so that’s probably why it’s my (and my brother’s) favorite as well. But that doesn’t explain why Mom doesn’t make it. Nope, only one person can make my grandma’s chocolate pie, and that’s my grandma.
When I went to visit her in August, I told her I wanted a chocolate pie. That was no surprise—I always insist that she bake me a chocolate pie when I visit. But this time, I was determined to document her making it so I could try and recreate it back here in NY. She had all the ingredients spread out on the counter, and then I saw it: her recipe card. I hadn’t noticed before that she uses a recipe—I always assumed she baked chocolate pie from memory. The old card was yellowing and splattered with spots. And it called for Oleo as one of the ingredients. What a treasure! Before we started baking, I decided to take a photo of the card, and as the light was waning in the kitchen, I took the card out to the front porch to shoot it before she started cooking.
I ended up spending more time than I meant to photographing the card. And as I saw the sun setting, I realized I should probably go back inside to watch her make the pie. Unfortunately, as I walked into the kitchen, Grandma was sliding the chocolate pie into the oven. Curses! My original assumption was correct: she did not need a recipe card to make chocolate pie. And I had spent so much time shooting the dang card, I had missed my opportunity to observe her crafting a chocolate pie.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Grandma’s chocolate pie is a timeless classic that brings comfort and joy with every bite. It’s rich, creamy, and has just the right amount of chocolatey goodness. Perfect for any occasion, this pie will win over both young and old with its nostalgic taste.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Medium saucepan
- Pre-baked pie shell
- Refrigerator
Ingredients
- ½ cup cocoa
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 3 egg yolks
- 1½ cups sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 cups milk
- 1 tsp vanilla
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cocoa, cornstarch, beaten egg yolks, sugar, salt, and vanilla.
- Gradually add the milk while stirring the mixture in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Cook the mixture until it thickens, continuously beating it smooth.
- Pour the thickened chocolate custard into a pre-baked pie shell.
- Place the pie in the refrigerator to chill before serving.
Tips for Success
- Stir constantly to prevent the custard from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Ensure the mixture is smooth before pouring it into the pie shell.
- Chill the pie thoroughly for the best texture.
Additional Tips or Variations
If you love meringue, feel free to whip up a meringue topping to layer over the custard before chilling the pie. For a twist, consider adding a hint of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
Each serving of Grandma’s Chocolate Pie is a delightful treat that brings approximately 300 calories, 12g of fat, 4g of protein, and 45g of carbohydrates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a different type of milk? Yes, you can use almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
How long does the pie need to chill? It’s best to chill the pie for at least 2 hours to allow the custard to set properly.
Conclusion
I hope you’re as excited as I am to try making Grandma’s Chocolate Pie. It’s a recipe that’s not only delicious but also carries a wealth of family memories. When you do give it a go, I’d love to hear how it turned out—feel free to share your experiences and any personal touches you added!