In the 1990s TV show Twin Peaks FBI agent Dale Cooper, played by Kyle McLachlan had a fondness for cherry pie and a “damn fine cup of coffee.” Many people share this love of pie and java, so why not combine them and put your coffee into your pie? This thought recently led me to two beverage inspired caffeinated pies: Peppermint Mocha Pie and White Russian Pie.
While waiting for my order my local Panera, I was looking over the menu and saw a Peppermint Mocha Latte on the menu. Why not pie? So I went home and created one, beginning with a chocolate graham cracker crust. The bottom layer is a mocha mousse made of semisweet chocolate and espresso. The top layer is a peppermint whipped cream with peppermint extract for flavoring and red food coloring to give the cream a pink tinge. Finally I topped it with some crushed peppermint candies. This is a pie that screams for attention, and deserves it. You can find the recipe here.
Mrs. Pie Dude and I got married nearly thirty years ago. At our reception my brother, the best man, seemed to think it was his number one responsibility to provide me with a freshly poured White Russian cocktail as soon as my glass was empty. God bless older brothers!
This White Russian Pie begins with an espresso custard. Once the custard had a chance to cool, I folded in some whipped cream laden with vodka and creme de cacao. The resulting confection was then spread onto an almond graham cracker crust and topped with some chocolate covered almonds.. The pie was a big hit at a recent dinner party, and earned a “holy yummers Batman” comment from one pie devotee. You can find this recipe here.
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