Chocolate Pudding Pie

1 . Stage

Spray a 9" pie plate with cooking spray. In a medium bowl, stir together all crust ingredients until fully combined. (Mixture should be coarse and sandy.) Press mixture into prepared pie dish and refrigerate.

2 . Stage

In a medium sauce pan over low heat, combine milk and chocolate. Whisk occasionally, until chocolate is fully melted.

3 . Stage

Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk egg yolks and brown sugar until lightened in color and ribbons begin to form, about 3 minutes. Add cornstarch, espresso powder, and salt and beat until combined.

4 . Stage

Slowly whisk the milk mixture into bowl with egg yolks, whisking constantly until smooth. Return mixture to sauce pan and cook over medium heat, whisking occasionally, until mixture thickens and bubbles begin to form around the edges of the pan, 6 to 8 minutes.

5 . Stage

Remove from heat and whisk until smooth, then transfer filling into the prepared crust. Press a piece of plastic wrap onto the surface of the pudding and refrigerate until firm, at least 3 hours.

6 . Stage

When ready to serve, make whipped cream: combine heavy cream, powdered sugar, and salt in a large bowl and beat until stiff peaks form, 2 to 3 minutes.

7 . Stage

Top pie with whipped cream and garnish with chocolate curls.