Chocolate Mint Pie

February  19: National Chocolate Mint Day

At the wedding reception of Islander’s cousin, Roxanne, to Billy T., Andes brand after-dinner mints were wrapped in fluffy tulle and given away as favors. The marriage of chocolate and mint were a cool combination—and just like Roxanne and Billy, who were married since 1979—the two were just “mint” to be!

We usually make mint-flavored foods around St. Patrick’s Day because of the green hue.  We substitute chopped Peppermint Patties or crushed Oreo cool mint crème cookies and use Andes brand crème de menthe chips instead in the creamy filling of a chocolate pudding pie recipe. The candies inside and on top of the pie add a cool crunch and sweet decoration to this dessert.

Chocolate mint pie is perfect for bridal showers, wedding rehearsal dinners, special occasions, St. Patrick’s Day and National Chocolate Mint Day.

Recipe

(Adapted from Taste of Home)

Ingredients

• 1 chocolate pie crust
• 1 package (3.9 ounces) instant chocolate pudding mix
• 1 ½ cups cold milk
• 2 ½ cups whipped topping (we used Cool Whip), divided use
• 1 ½ cups Andes brand crème de menthe chips, divided use
• ¼ teaspoon mint extract
• green food coloring
• fresh mint leaves to garnish (optional)

Directions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the pudding mix with the milk. Let stand for about two minutes until thickened. Fold in one cup whipped topping.

Fold in ½ cup of the crème de menthe chips. Smooth the mixture into the pie crust. In another bowl, stir in the mint extract with remaining whipped topping. Tint with a few drops of green food coloring to reach the desired shade of “mint green.”

Fill a pastry bag with the mint-flavored whipped cream and pipe decorative swirls on top of the pie. Sprinkle the remaining crème de menthe chips over it. Cover and refrigerate for at least four hours or until set. Garnish with fresh mint leaves (optional). Slice and serve chilled.

Notes

• Chocolate mint pie recipes are often called “grasshopper pie” because of its grasshopper-green color.  But a real grasshopper pie is made with crème de menthe and crème de cacao and is inspired by the cocktail drink called “The Grasshopper.”
• If chocolate and mint are a favorite flavor combination, try the recipe for peppermint patty brownies with white chocolate mint drizzles.
• Andes brand crème de menthe chips add a tasty texture to the chocolate mint pie but are not bright green. For a more vibrant mint color, use chopped Andes brand thin mint candies.