Tasty German Chocolate Pie

From TOH Holiday magazine submitted by D. Clay. A luscious pie that has a beautiful presentation. Different from the other pies listed on this site and possibly a bit more labor intensive. Prep time does not include time to bake the pastry shell. Passive time includes the time necessary to chill in the refrigerator.

• Ready In: 4 hrs 25 mins
• Serves: 8
• Yields: 1 pie

Ingredients

• FOR THE PIE

• 1 (4 ounce) package  German sweet chocolate
• 1  tablespoon butter
• 1  teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1⁄3 cup sugar
• 3  tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 1⁄2 cups milk
• 2  egg yolks, lightly beaten
• 1 (9 inch)  pastry shells, baked

• FOR THE TOPPING

• 1  cup evaporated milk
• 1⁄2 cup sugar
• 1⁄4 cup butter, cubed
• 1  egg, lightly beaten
• 1 1⁄3 cups flaked coconut, toasted
• 1⁄2 cup pecans, chopped

Directions

1. ****FOR THE PIE****.
2. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate and butter together, stirring until smooth. Stir in vanilla and set aside.
3. In a small saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, and milk until smooth.
4. Cook and stir over medium-high heat until thickened and bubbly.
5. Reduce heat; cook and stir for 2 minutes longer; then remove from heat.
6. In a small bowl, stir a small amount of the hot filling into the egg yolks; return all to the pan, stirring constantly.
7. Bring to a gentle boil; cook and stir 2 minutes longer; then remove from heat.
8. Gently stir in chocolate mixture into the hot filling mixture.
9. Spoon all into the pre-baked pastry shell.
10. ****FOR THE TOPPING****.
11. In a small saucepan, combine evaporated milk, sugar and butter.
12. Cook and stir until butter is melted and mixture just comes to a boil; then remove from heat.
13. In a small bowl, stir a small amount of the hot liquid into the lightly beaten egg; return all to the pan; stirring constantly.
14. Bring up to a gentle boil; cook and stir 2 minutes longer.
15. Remove topping from heat and stir in coconut and pecans.
16. Pour over the pie filling.
17. Cool on a wire rack then cover and chill for at least 3 hours.
18. Leftovers have to be refrigerated.