Minnie's Chocolate Pie

Tell me one woman on the planet that did not enjoy The Help  (the book or movie)!  I came across this recipe for Minnie's chocolate pie not long after I saw the movie for the first time and knew it needed to be placed on my menu...unfortunately that was 2 years ago and I am just giving it a try! 

This pie is perfect for a Sunday meal or would be great on a holiday dinner table.  Lets be honest, this kind of pie is a kid's dream!  I never wanted an apple or cherry pie when I was young...I wanted the chocolate :) 

This pie is fudgy and gets a nice little crust on the top like a brownie.  So yummy, and has the approval of my 5-year old for Thanksgiving.  Enjoy!

Minnie's Chocolate Pie

1 packaged pie dough crust, such as Pillsbury
1 1/2 cups sugar
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs, beaten
3/4 cup evaporated milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
Whipped cream, for serving

Preheat the oven to 350°. Ease the pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate and crimp the edges decoratively. Prick the crust lightly with a fork. Line the crust with foil or parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes or until set. Remove the foil and weights and bake for about 5 minutes longer, just until the crust is dry but not browned.

Meanwhile, in a bowl, whisk the sugar with the cocoa powder, butter, eggs, evaporated milk, vanilla and salt until smooth.

Pour the filling into the pie shell and bake for about 45 minutes, until the filling is set around the edges but a little jiggly in the center. Cover the crust with strips of foil halfway through baking. Transfer the pie to a rack and let cool completely before cutting into wedges. Serve with whipped cream.

* The chocolate pie can be refrigerated overnight.

Recipe Source: Food and Wine Magazine