2007 Chocolate Dream Pie

By boandozzy

1 piece equals 337 calories, 11 g fat (4 g saturated fat), 41 mg cholesterol, 311 mg sodium, 51 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 10 g protein. Originally published as Chocolate Dream Pie in Light & Tasty October/November 2006, p55

Ingredients

• FILLING:
• 1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons cold butter
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 2 tablespoons buttermilk
• 6 to 7 teaspoons cold water
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 3 tablespoons baking cocoa
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups fat-free evaporated milk
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 ounces semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
• MERINGUE:
• 3 egg whites
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 6 tablespoons sugar

Details

Servings 8
Preparation time 45mins
Cooking time 60mins
Adapted from tasteofhome.com

Preparation

Step 1

In a small bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Cut in butter until crumbly. Add oil and buttermilk; toss with a fork. Gradually add water, tossing with a fork, until a ball forms. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to fit a 9-in. pie plate. Transfer pastry to a pie plate coated with cooking spray. Trim pastry to 1/2 in. beyond edge of plate; flute edges. With a fork, prick bottom and sides of pastry. Line with a double thickness of heavy-duty foil. Bake at 450° for 8 minutes. Remove foil; bake 6-8 minutes longer or until light golden. Cool on a wire rack.

In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, cocoa, cornstarch and salt. Stir in milk and water until smooth. Cook and stir over medium-high heat until thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Remove from the heat.

Stir a small amount of hot filling into egg; return all to the pan, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle boil; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Remove from the heat. Stir in chocolate until smooth; stir in extracts. Pour into pastry shell; set aside.

For meringue, in a small bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, on high until stiff peaks form. Spread evenly over filling, sealing edges to crust.

Bake at 350° for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack for 1 hour; refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving.
Yield: 8 servings.