Papa's Pepper Peanut Butter Pie with Spicy Dark Chocolate Ganache


Papa's Pepper Peanut Butter Pie with Spicy Dark Chocolate Ganache
(Courtesy of Spencer from @spencerthecook from Instagram ... )
I did it and my neighbor tested it!  I'm not a dessert guy, I really don't like sweets that much at all, unless it involves peanut butter.  Peanut butter is definitely my weakness.  So I thought I would created a peanut butter pie for the holiday season and what goes great with peanut butter, yup, chocolate!  Not just any chocolate, spicy dark chocolate!  What a flavor combination it is!  So, back to the first sentence, I did it, I made a peanut butter pie.  My neighbor, who self admittedly said peanut butter pie is his favorite and he's tried a BUNCH of them, said this was the best he has ever had.  Is it really that good?  Make it for yourself and I think you'll agree with my neighbor, after all, there is a reason this recipe yields TWO pies, not just one!

For the pie:
2&1/2C Creamy peanut butter
2C Powdered sugar
8oz. Cream cheese, softened
2C Heavy cream
2T Powdered sugar
1t Cream of tartar
2 Pre-made graham cracker pie crusts.

For the Ganache:
1 Stick butter, cut into small chunks
1C Dark chocolate chips
2t Papa's Pepper premium spice blend

Crushed peanuts to top.

For the pie:
1. Mix peanut butter, powdered sugar and cream cheese together.

2. In a stand mixer, whip heavy cream until it just starts to thicken, then add powdered sugar and cream of tartar.  Whip until stiff peaks form.

3. Fold whipped cream into peanut butter and mix to combine.  Spoon into pie crusts, smooth the top, refrigerate.

For the Ganache:
1. Using a double boiler (or a sauce pan with 2" of water and a stainless steel mixing bowl on top of the sauce pan over medium high heat) add the butter.  Once the butter starts to melt add the dark chocolate chips.

2. Whisk the chocolate slowly as it melts.  Once half the chocolate is melted add Papa's Pepper and continue whisking until the chocolate and butter are just melted and incorporated.  Remove from heat and let sit for 10-15 minutes until it barely starts to thicken.  Drizzle the dark chocolate ganache over the pies.  Top with crushed peanuts.  Enjoy!

Cooks note:

I like to use butter in my Ganache because it adds a wonderful "shine" to the chocolate.  It also sets up a little firmer for additional texture.