Chocolate Arctic Pie

When summer heat sets in, this pie makes for a sweet and cool treat. And it is so easy to make even on a lazy summer day, and the leftover pieces can be stored in the freezer to be enjoyed on another hot day.

This pie is made in stages, with some refrigerator or freezer time during the assembly process. The recipe indicates to freeze the pie for 20 minutes, but I found that was not enough time to really get the pie to set. Next time, I will freeze the pie for at least an hour. I made fresh whipped cream for this pie, which only takes just a little more effort than store bought whipped cream but tastes so much better. Finally, I topped this pie with some chocolate shavings.

Chocolate Arctic Pie 

• 1 (3 5/8 oz.) package chocolate pudding mix
• 1 3/4 cup milk
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 3 tbsp. melted butter
• whipped cream

Prepare the chocolate pudding according to the directions, but use only 1 3/4 cup milk instead of 2 cups and add in the vanilla extract. Cool the pudding in the refrigerator. Combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Use half the crumb mix to line a pie pan. Top with half the chocolate pudding, the remaining graham cracker crumbs, and the remaining chocolate pudding. Set in the freezer for at least 20 minutes. Top with whipped cream. Enjoy!