Mississippi Mud Pie

By hanley89

Ingredients

• 25 chocolate wafer cookies( about half a 9-ounce package)
• 1/2 cup pecan halves, plus more for garnish
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter,melted,plus 2 tbsp, cold, cut into small pieces
• 2/3 cup 1 tsp sugar
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/3 cup cornstrach
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 1/2 cups milk
• 4 large egg yolks
• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Preparation

Step 1

1.Preheat oven to 375.In a food processor, grind wafers and pecans until fine crumbs form. Add melted butter;process until moistened. Transfer mixture to a 9 inch pie plate,press into bottom and up sides(use the base of a dry measuring cup to help). Bake until fragrant,8-10 mniutes;let cool
2.Place a large fine-mesh sieve over a medium bowl;set aside. In a medium saucepan,off heat,whisk together 2/3 cup sugar.cocoa powder,cornstarch and salt. Whisk in milk , a few tbsp at a time, being sure to incorporate the cornstarch. Whisk in egg yolks.
3.Over medium heat, whisking constantly, cook mixture until first large sputtering bubble forms. Reduce heat to low;continuing to whisk contantly, cook 1 minute. Remove from heat; immediately pour through sieve into bowl. Stir in 1/4 tsp vanilla and two tbsp cold butter
4.Pour pudding into crust. Place plastic wrap directly on surface( to prevent skin from forming);Chill at least 2 hours and up to 1 day.Just prior to serving, beat cream, remaining tsp of sugar and remaining 1/4 tsp vanilla until soft peaks form. Spread whipped cream over pudding and sprinkle with pecan if desired