Chocolate-walnut Pie

Recipe originally from Nathalie Dupree's Comfortable Entertaining. This is a variation of a classic pecan pie recipe with the addition of chocolate. It is very easy to assemble, but it takes 45 to 50 minutes to bake.

• Ready In: 1 hr
• Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 4  ounces  semisweet chocolate
• 1  unbaked  9 inch pie shell, made from basic pie pastry
• 3  large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1  cup light corn syrup
• 1  cup sugar
• 2  tablespoons butter, melted and allowed to cool
• 1  teaspoon vanilla
• 2  cups  broken walnuts
•  garnish  whipped cream (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Melt the chocolate in the microwave or in a heavy pot on low heat.
3. Pour it evenly into the unbaked pie shell.
4. In a large bowl, mix the eggs, corn syrup, sugar, butter, and vanilla well.
5. Stir in the walnuts.
6. Pour the mixture into the chocolate-lined pie shell and bake until the filling is set, 45 to 50 minutes.
7. Remove to a rack and let cool.
8. The pie may be made ahead several days, or frozen for up to 3 months.
9. Serve with whipped cream if desired.