Chocolate-Strawberry Pie

Yield: 1 pie; serves 6 to 8 | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Chill Time: 2 hours

This is a fun and unique way to make an elegant chocolate dessert in only 15 minutes! Strawberries may be the most popular berry out there, and come summer when their season is in full swing, you can’t get anything sweeter! I love tasting the delicious berries as they combine with the rich chocolate and crunchy crust.

INGREDIENTS

1 pint fresh strawberries, washed, trimmed, and halved

1 store-bought (or homemade) chocolate cookie pie crust

2/3 cup sugar

¼ cup cornstarch

2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

¼ teaspoon minced crystallized ginger

1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Pinch of kosher or sea salt

6 large egg yolks

2½ cups half-and-half

6 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped

½ tablespoon rum extract

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Additional strawberries for garnish (optional)

DIRECTIONS

1. Place the strawberry halves in a single layer in the bottom of the pie crust.
2. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, cocoa powder, ginger, nutmeg, and salt over medium heat.
3. Whisk in the egg yolks to create a thick paste. Gradually whisk in the half-and-half until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes. Bring to a boil and cook for 1 minute. Remove from the heat.
4. Add the chocolate and whisk until combined. Add the rum and vanilla extracts. Cool the mixture for 5 minutes.
5. Pour the filling over the strawberries and up to the top of the crust. Chill the pie for 2 hours or until set.
6. Garnish with additional strawberries, if desired.