CARAMEL PECAN FRENCH SILK PIE

Steps:

• Prepare Baked Pastry Shell; set aside.
• In a heavy medium saucepan combine the 1 cup whipping cream, the chocolate pieces, butter, and sugar.
• Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until chocolate is melted (about 10 minutes).
• Remove from heat.
• Gradually stir half of the hot mixture into beaten egg yolks.
• Return egg mixture to chocolate mixture in saucepan.
• Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is slightly thickened and begins to bubble (about 5 minutes).
• Remove from heat.
• (Mixture may appear to separate.) Stir in the 3 tablespoons creme de cacao or whipping cream.
• Place the saucepan in a bowl of ice water, stirring occasionally, until the mixture stiffens and becomes hard to stir (about 20 minutes).
• Transfer the chocolate mixture to a medium mixing bowl.
• Beat cooled chocolate mixture with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 2 to 3 minutes or until light and fluffy.
• Spread caramel ice cream topping in bottom of Baked Pastry Shell.
• Sprinkle pecans evenly over caramel.
• Carefully spread filling into pie shell.
• Cover and refrigerate pie for 5 to 24 hours.
• To serve, top with whipped cream.
• If you like, garnish with chocolate curls.