French Silk Pie

Directions

1. 1
   To make the crust, stir together chocolate crumbs and butter. Press into a 9" pie plate and up the sides. Set aside.
2. 2
   In a large saucepan, whisk together sugar, eggs, cocoa and 1 cup cream until smooth.
3. 3
   Place saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly, and cook until thickened (you will know when it's thick!).
4. 4
   Strain through a fine mesh sieve into a large bowl and stir in chocolate, butter and vanilla until smooth.
5. 5
   Set aside or refrigerate until cooled to room temperature -- 1-2 hours on the counter or 30-40 minutes in the refrigerator -- stirring occasionally.
6. 6
   Whip chocolate mixture on high speed until slightly lightened in color -- about 5 minutes.
7. 7
   Whip remaining 1 cup cream until stiff peaks form, and gently fold into chocolate mixture in two batches.
8. 8
   Spread into prepared pie crust and refrigerate 6 hours or overnight, until set.
9. 9
   Garnish with additional sweetened whipped cream before serving if desired.