Chocolate Monograms and Chocolate Pie

Add a touch of elegance with chocolate monograms ...

Yesterday we had our favorite chocolate pie for dessert.  We are stuck in a rut but seems to be a rut we love ... we always have to have this same chocolate pie!  Here is the recipe:

CHOCOLATE PIE

1 1/2 cup sugar
1 small can evaporated milk
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 stick butter, melted
2 1/2 Tbsp cocoa
1/2 cup nuts, chopped (optional)
9 inch pie shell

Mix all ingredients together.  Pour into unbaked pie shell.  Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.  Let it set and cool before cutting.

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CHOCOLATE MONOGRAMS

A few years ago I made these chocolate monograms for parties.  They are simple and add such a personal touch to different desserts ... even a simple bowl of vanilla ice cream.

The only ingredient is semi-sweet chocolate, you can start out with 2 ounces and use more chocolate depending on how many you make.

The easiest way for me is to microwave the chocolate for 30 seconds, remove and stir.  Just add more seconds microwaving in between stirrings until it is a smooth yet thick enough consistency for piping.  Place waxed paper on a cookie sheet.  Pipe melted chocolate into monograms or other designs using pastry bag fitted with plain tip or do it the super easy way I do it:  I cut the tip end off of a sandwich bag, it works just fine for piping.  I place the cookie sheet with the piped monograms or designs in the freezer for a few minutes and they are ready to use.  

If you aren't satisfied with some of the monograms, you simply remelt the chocolate and start over.  White chocolate can be used, pretty on chocolate ice cream for contrast.  For the dinner parties we had,  I made several in advance and kept them refrigerated until right before serving. 

Other designs can be piped ... stars, hearts, butterflies, lace or anything imagined. Your guests will love them!