Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie

### Instructions for Making Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie:

#### Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
1. **Mix the Dry Ingredients**: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt for the crust. Stir to evenly distribute the salt.
2. **Cut in the Butter**: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You want to see small pea-sized pieces of butter throughout.
3. **Add Water**: Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough begins to come together. Be careful not to add too much water—just enough to form a dough.
4. **Form the Dough**: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it forms a cohesive ball. Flatten the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
5. **Roll Out the Dough**: Once chilled, roll out the dough on a floured surface to fit your pie dish. Place the dough into the dish and trim any excess. Crimp the edges with your fingers or a fork for a decorative look.
6. **Bake the Crust**: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the crust in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until it is golden brown. Let it cool completely while you prepare the filling.

#### Step 2: Make the Chocolate Custard Filling
1. **Combine the Dry Ingredients**: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cocoa powder, and salt.
2. **Add the Milk**: Gradually pour in the milk while continuing to whisk the mixture, making sure to dissolve the dry ingredients into the liquid.
3. **Heat the Mixture**: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly. Once it begins to bubble, reduce the heat to low.
4. **Temper the Egg Yolks**: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and cornstarch together until smooth. Slowly pour a small amount of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to temper the eggs. Gradually pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan, stirring constantly.
5. **Cook the Custard**: Continue cooking the custard over low heat for another 2-3 minutes until it thickens to a pudding-like consistency. Be sure to stir continuously to prevent the custard from curdling.
6. **Finish the Filling**: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the butter, vanilla extract, and chopped chocolate (if using). Stir until the chocolate and butter have melted completely and the filling is smooth and glossy.

#### Step 3: Assemble the Pie
1. **Fill the Pie Crust**: Pour the warm chocolate custard into the cooled pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
2. **Chill the Pie**: Cover the pie with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until the filling is set and firm. You can also chill it overnight for the best results.

#### Step 4: Add the Topping
1. **Whipped Cream**: Once the pie is fully set, top it with freshly whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence. You can also sprinkle the top with chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder for added flair.

2. **Serve**: Slice the pie into generous portions and serve chilled. Each bite of the rich, creamy chocolate filling paired with the buttery crust is bound to delight your taste buds.

### Tips for Perfecting Your Chocolate Pie:
– **Use Quality Chocolate**: For the best flavor, opt for high-quality chocolate in your filling. Semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate works beautifully in this recipe.
– **Don’t Skip the Chilling Step**: The custard needs time to set and firm up in the fridge. This step ensures the filling has the right texture when sliced.
– **Crust Variation**: If you’re short on time or prefer an easier option, you can use a pre-made graham cracker crust or a store-bought pie crust.
– **Add Some Flair**: To elevate your chocolate pie, consider adding a few optional flavorings, such as a pinch of cinnamon, a dash of espresso powder, or even a splash of liqueur like Baileys Irish Cream or Chambord.

### Why This Recipe Works:
This **Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie** strikes the perfect balance between creamy, rich chocolate filling and a flaky, buttery crust. The smooth custard filling is deeply satisfying, while the lightness of the whipped cream on top provides a nice contrast. It’s a dessert that’s sure to become a favorite, whether you’re serving it at a family dinner, holiday gathering, or just because.

### Final Thoughts:
This **Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie** is a true classic that never goes out of style. With its deliciously smooth chocolate filling and flaky crust, it’s the perfect dessert for chocolate lovers. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or simply craving a comforting homemade treat, this pie is sure to satisfy every sweet tooth. So, grab your ingredients, follow this simple recipe, and enjoy a slice of nostalgia that’s as delicious as it is timeless!