Frozen Chocolate Mousse Pie

There are a few reasons why I go ga-ga over this pie. It's easy, has great chocolate flavor and since it's frozen, I don't have to eat the whole thing in a couple days (though we usually do)

I apologize for the poor picture. It looks blah but is so good. :)

I like to use Cool Whip as the topping of this pie. I know, I know, it's cool whip. Fake, flavorless blah cool whip. But I always mix a little vanilla paste into it and I think it's just fine. It's great in this application because it freezes well and has a good texture. If you're too proud to like it, you can top the pie with whipped cream.

You will need one baked and cooled crust. You can find the recipe here

2 cups milk
3 egg yolks
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 cup chocolate chips
1/4 cup cocoa powder
2 tablespoons soft unsalted butter

Heat 1 1/2 cups of the milk on low heat in a saucepan until small bubbles appear.

Whisk 1/2 cup of milk with the 3 egg yolks, cornstarch and sugar.

Slowly whisk egg mixture into hot milk. Cook while whisking until mixture becomes thick. It will be pretty thick, don't worry.

Strain custard through a fine strainer to remove any lumps. Melt chocolate chips, cocoa powder, butter and vanilla into warm custard. Chill custard until cold.

*to cool custard quickly, put some ice and a small amount of water into a bowl larger than the one holding the custard. Put the custard bowl into the ice bath and stir it every few minutes until cool.

3 egg whites
Pinch of salt
6 tablespoons sugar

Whip egg whites and salt until stiff peaks form. Whisk in sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until peaks are stiff, glossy and smooth.

Fold half of egg whites into cooled custard until combined. Carefully fold in remaining half.

Pour chocolate filling into cooled, pre baked pie crust.

Top with 1 tub of Cool Whip with 2 teaspoons vanilla mixed in.

Freeze pie for at least 6 hours, overnight is best.

You can slice and serve the pie immediately after taking it out of the freezer.  Place leftovers back in freezer immediately.