Sun in March

"It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade."

~Charles Dickens

~*~

Chocolate Cream Pie

Ingredients:

1 prebaked 9-inch pie crust

1 1/2 cups milk
1/4 cup granulated sugar, plus an additional 2 tablespoons, divided use
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1-1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 Tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup heavy whipping cream

Directions:

In a large saucepan, over medium heat, combine milk, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, cornstarch, cocoa powder and salt; bring to a simmer, whisking frequently. Whisk the eggs together in a medium bowl, and gradually whisk in half of the hot milk mixture until combined; whisk the egg mixture back into saucepan containing remaining milk. Heat mixture, whisking frequently, until it starts to thicken up and coat the back of a spoon.

Remove pan from heat and stir in chocolate chips, tablespoon butter and vanilla. Pour filling into pie crust and cool completely in the refrigerator, about 1 hour.
To make the whipped cream, combine heavy cream and additional 2 tablespoons sugar in a medium sized mixing bowl, using a mixer on high speed, and beat until stiff peaks form - about 1-2 minutes. Spread whipped cream evenly on pie and sprinkle with chocolate shavings if desired.

Makes 8 servings

I'm Alive!

I am so sorry I have taken soooo long in updating. I have been swamped since New Years. Studying cheese making and teaching it . Trying to create a mozzarella cheese that is similar to Water Buffalo mozarella for a group of restuarants. Had a group of six chefs watching me the other day which was nerve wracking. So needless to say, I am glad to be back, and I hope you will forgive me for my long absence. :) I hope to be able to update more than let's say... once every three months!