Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Mocha-Fudge Ice Cream Pie (Mississippi Mud Pie)

Mocha-Fudge Ice Cream Pie

As I go through life, certain holidays and situations become bittersweet for me for various reasons.  This year, it was Father's Day.  I feel so lucky to have a good relationship with my father, but not everyone has that.  Some have lost their father.  Or their grandfather.  Or their husband.  And that hit me hard this year.  A friend of mine lost her husband in a boating accident earlier this summer, and I can't even imagine the pain she and her three sweet kids are going through right now.  It's just inexplicable, and my heart aches for her.  I long for the innocence of a child, and then I mourn for the innocence that her young children have lost.  It's a fickle thing, life.

It sounds so trite and empty to say "Live life to the fullest."  Or "Embrace it all while you can."  But I guess it's true.  You aren't guaranteed anything, and that became abundantly apparent to me this year.  I won't be spouting off any of these axioms in my daily life, I do try and remind myself not to sweat the small stuff.

Mocha-Fudge Ice Cream Pie 

So while we definitely celebrated Joey on Father's Day this year, my heart felt heavy all day as I thought about my friend.  I made this pie for Joey per his request, and I thought about what she wouldn't give to be able to make her husband a dessert.  Or to give him one last hug and kiss.  Or just to see him or hear his voice one more time.

Guys, "they" are right.  Life is short, and it can be cruel.  Embrace it.  Live it.  Eat the pie.

Mocha-Fudge Ice Cream Pie 

Mocha-Fudge Ice Cream Pie (Mississippi Mud Pie)
adapted from Baked Explorations

This pie starts with an Oreo crust, then comes a layer of bourbon-spiked filling.  Next is a layer of coffee ice cream (the best ice cream flavor ever).  And when you're ready to serve it, you drizzle it with bourbon-hot fudge sauce.  I'd say this is pretty fantastic.

For the Chocolate Cookie Crust:

  • 15 chocolate sandwich cookies (Oreos)
  • 1 Tbs granulated sugar
  • 4 Tb unsalted butter, melted
For the filling:
  • 4 oz (60 to 72%) dark chocolate
  • 1/4 cup plus 1 Tbs heavy cream
  • 3 Tbs unsalted butter
  • 2 Tbs light corn syrup
  • 1 cup confectioner's sugar, sifted
  • 1 Tbs bourbon 
  • 1 pint (2 cups) good quality coffee ice cream
For the Bourbon-Hot Fudge Sauce:
  • 2 Tbs heavy cream
  • 2 Tbs unsalted butter
  • 1 Tbs light corn syrup
  • 3 oz (60 to 72%) dark chocolate
  • 1 Tbs bourbon
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

To make the cookie crust, pulverize the cookies in a food processor until they are finely ground.  Transfer the crumbs to a medium bowl and stir in the sugar and butter.  Pour the mixture into a 9-inch pie plate, and firmly press them into the bottom and sides.  Bake 7 to 10 minutes, then cool on a wire rack as you prepare the filling.

To  make the filling, chop the chocolate into coarse pieces, and place in a medium heat-proof bowl.  In a small saucepan, bring the cream, butter, and corn syrup to a simmer.  Remove from heat, pour the mixture over the chocolate, and let sit for 1 minute.  Whisk until it is completely smooth, then stir in the confectioner's sugar and bourbon.  Pour the fudge into the prepare pie plate, spread it evenly over the bottom, and refrigerate at least 2 hours, or freeze for 30 minutes to set.

Soften the ice cream to the consistency of soft serve, either by leaving it on the counter for a few minutes, or microwaving for 10 seconds.  Pour it into a large bowl and use a rubber spatula to beat it until it is smooth and malleable.  Spread the ice cream over the fudge layer, then freeze the pie for about 1 1/2 hours, or until the ice cream is firm.

When ready to serve, prepare the bourbon-hot fudge topping.  In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, bring the cream, butter, and corn syrup to a simmer.  Remove from heat and whisk in the chocolate, whisking until smooth.  Stir in the bourbon.

To serve, use a warm sharp knife to cut the pie into slices, then drizzle each slice with the fudge sauce.


7 comments:

Josie said...

This really looks like the most decadent, perfect summer dessert, ever! I want some... right now :)

Josie said...

This is such a heartfelt, beautiful post Josie. I am so, so sorry to hear of your friend and her children's loss. Life is indeed short and uncertain; I appreciate the encouragement you've posted here in regards to appreciating and loving the loved ones we have in the time that we've been given. As for me, I still have my Father here but I struggle to spend time with him. We don't really get on and I feel very conflicted about it. I'm actually having him around for dinner tonight to try and express some appreciation and love. Thanks for this timely encouragement that it's the right thing to do, however difficult. Oh, and the pie? Amazing. So decadent. Definitely a special dessert xx

Josie said...

One of my worst fears is losing my husband, and now my daughter. Especially in such a tragic accident as your friend did, I can't even fathom the pain she feels. Huge hugs to both of you!

Josie said...

Sounds
like a great recipe, I can’t wait to try it! I make Shrimp Burgers with a
similar recipe which include some lime zest. I pan fried them in a little
garlic butter and served them on a toasted bun with lettuce, tomato and
avocado…..what a hit!!

The
good news-bad news is that you have to prepare and eat them in short order.
They are good cold and sort of OK when nuked. Best when hot and sizzling.


While
cruising the net, I came across Chef Big Shake’s Original Shrimp Burgers
from www.TheQuickShipWarehouse.com . They
come frozen and have a year shelf life. Pretty easy to prepare and quite
good which makes it nice when the spirit moves you.














After
cooking, we squeeze a little fresh lime on them and add the avocado. Voilà!

Josie said...

I know, me too Chrissy. She is constantly on my mind.

Josie said...

Laura, thanks so much for your comment. I hope you are able to improve your relationship with your father. It's hard, I've been there too. I hope your dinner went well! xoxo

Josie said...

I just cried while reading this and it is so true!! Luckily, I was driving to a conference on Father's Day this year so I didn't even have to acknowledge the holiday and think about the fact that my dad wasn't there. It was a blessing. If I had been home, I would have been celebrating my mom, though, and I know she would love this pie!!

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