VANILLA WAFER PIE CRUST RECIPES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter 9-inch-diameter springform pan with 2 3/4-inch-high sides. Finely grind cookies in processor. Add butter and process until mixture is evenly moistened. Press crumb mixture onto bottom and up sides of prepared pan to form thin crust. Bake crust 5 minutes. Transfer crust to rack and cool completely.
• Combine chocolate, vanilla and salt in processor. Bring 1 cup cream to boil in heavy small saucepan. With processor running, gradually pour hot cream through feed tube and process until chocolate is melted and smooth. Transfer mixture to large bowl. Cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally.
• Beat 2 cups cream and sugar in large bowl to stiff peaks. Fold into chocolate mixture. Pour mousse into prepared crust. Chill until set, about 6 hours. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead.)
• Beat remaining 3/4 cup cream in medium bowl to firm peaks. Transfer to pastry bag fitted with medium star tip. Pipe rosettes of cream around edge of cake. Garnish with chocolate shavings.

Steps:

• In large bowl, mix cookie crumbs and melted butter until crumbs are moistened and coated with butter. Press mixture in bottom and up side of 9-inch pie plate. Refrigerate 10 minutes.
• In 1-quart saucepan, beat granulated sugar and eggs with whisk until blended. Cook over medium heat until instant-read thermometer reads 160°F. Mixture should thicken slightly and coat back of metal spoon.
• Remove from heat; stir in chocolate until melted and smooth. Cool slightly; mix in softened butter until well incorporated. Let cool until just warm; stir occasionally as it cools.
• In large bowl, beat whipping cream until it begins to thicken. Add powdered sugar; beat until stiff peaks form. Fold half of the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture; pour into chilled pie crust. Top center of pie with remaining whipped cream. Garnish with chocolate curls or chocolate shavings.
• Refrigerate until ready to serve. Cover and refrigerate leftovers.