Strawberry Chocolate Festival Dessert



                                             

Ingredients:

CRUST:

• 1 2/3 cups

  graham cracker crumbs

  400 mL

• 1/2 cup

  melted butter

  125 mL

• 1/4 cup

  granulated sugar

  50 mL

FILLING:

• 3 cups

  2% milk

  750 mL

• 1/2 cup

  granulated sugar

  125 mL

• 1/2 cup

  cornstarch

  125 mL

• 2

  egg yolks, beaten

  2

• 1 pkg (1 3/4 cups)

  milk chocolate chips, divided

  270 g

• 2 tbsp

  butter

  30 mL

TOPPING:

• 1 1/2 cups

  35% whipping cream

  375 mL

• 1 tbsp

  icing sugar

  15 mL

• 4 cups

  halved strawberries, about 1 lb (500 g)

  1 L

Directions:

1. 1 Crust: Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Toss crumbs with butter and sugar until well combined; press into a 9 x 13-inch (3 L) baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes or until golden around edges; cool.
2. 2 Filling: Meanwhile, whisk milk with sugar and cornstarch until smooth in a saucepan set over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly, for 10 minutes or until thickened. Whisk a little of the hot milk mixture into egg yolks; whisk back into hot milk mixture. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Remove from heat. Add 1 1/4 cups (300 mL) chocolate chips and butter; stir until melted and smooth. Spread evenly onto the prepared crust. Chill for 1 hour or up to 1 day.
3. 3 Topping: Beat cream with icing sugar until stiff peaks form; spread evenly over chocolate layer. Arrange strawberries over whipped cream. Melt remaining chocolate chips in a bowl set over simmering water. Drizzle over strawberries. Chill until set or up to 1 hour.
   
   Makes 12 servings.....Prep Time.....20 Minutes.....Bake Time.....10 Minutes
   
   Tip:
   • Drizzle the top with melted white chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate chips for a dessert that is perfect for any celebration!