Triple Chocolate Pie

Ingredients

Crust

• 1 cup chocolate wafer, crushed
• 1/3 cup almonds, finely chopped (walnuts or hazelnuts)
• 1/4 cup butter, melted

Filling

• 1/2 cup butter, room temperature
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 ounces semisweet chocolate, melted and cooled until lukewarm
• 2 teaspoons instant coffee powder (crushed if necessary)
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons brandy (or coffee liqueur)

Topping

• 1 cup whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons icing sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• chocolate curls or candy sprinkles

Directions

1. 1

   Crust: Mix together wafer crumbs, nuts and butter. Press into a 9" springform.

2. 2

   Filling: With a mixer, beat butter until smooth. Beat in brown sugar and beat for 3 minutes. Add melted semi sweet chocolate, coffee powder, then eggs, one at a time, beating for 3 - 4 minutes after each addition.

3. 3

   Add brandy. Spoon into crust and chill. Freeze at this point.

4. 4

   Topping: Whip cream until light, beat in icing sugar and vanilla, 1 T coffee liqueur or rum (optional).

5. 5

   Decorate the pie with the topping. Sprinkle with grated chocolate or chocolate curls.

6. 6

   Chill for 3 - 4 hours or freeze. If frozen, leave the pie for 1 day in the fridge.