An Easy Recipe for Mud Pie

My husband and I recently had to make a week-long emergency trip to Modesto, Ca. because my father is in critical health. During this week there was a great deal of family time, hospitals, meetings with doctors, and all of the emotions that go along with this kind of family crisis. But, in the midst of all of this, I had some very special time with a niece that means a great deal to me because she is the only daughter of my now dead sister. Our niece spent a great deal of time with our family when she was growing up, and as a result, she and I spent a great deal of time together in the kitchen making memories together. One of her special memories was Mud Pie, so when she and I needed to plan and make an evening meal together because my mom was at work, we decided on Orange Chicken (see labels), mashed potatoes, salad and her old favorite, Mud Pie.

I did not make the long version that I use to make because of the constraints of time and energy. But, the quick version that I was able to throw together in a few minutes was very good, and she, and the rest of our family, loved it. Blessings...

Recipe:

1 chocolate cookie crust
1 half gallon coffee ice cream
1 large jar hot fudge topping
1 cup whipping cream
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tbsp. powdered sugar, or to taste
chopped nuts of choice

1. Fill cookie crust with all of the ice cream, smoothing surface. Cover with plastic wrap and return to freezer until ready to serve.
2. Whip cream with vanilla extract and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
3. Cut pie into 6 - 8 pieces
4. Top each serving with hot fudge sauce, chopped nuts and whipping cream.