Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pie
Ingredients:
• 1 pre-baked pie crust
• ¼ cup butter
• 1 cup sugar
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cups milk
• 3 egg yolks
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 egg whites
• ¼ tsp cream of tartar
• ½ cup sugar (for meringue)
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Instructions:
1. Make the Chocolate Filling:
1. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Stir in 1 cup sugar, flour, and cocoa powder until well blended.
3. Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks.
5. Temper the yolks by adding a little of the hot mixture to them, stirring constantly. Then pour the yolk mixture back into the saucepan.
6. Cook the filling over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens (about 7–10 minutes).
7. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
8. Pour the chocolate filling into the pre-baked pie crust.
2. Make the Meringue (Optional but classic):
1. Beat egg whites and cream of tartar in a clean bowl until soft peaks form.
2. Gradually add ½ cup sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
3. Spread the meringue over the chocolate filling, sealing it to the edges of the crust.
3. Bake the Pie:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake the pie for 10–15 minutes or until the meringue is golden brown.
3. Let the pie cool completely before serving so the filling sets properly.