Mom’s Amazingly Easy Chocolate Pie: A Cherished Thanksgiving Tradition and Heartfelt Tribute
An incredibly easy Chocolate Pie recipe that my Mom makes every Thanksgiving, now a tribute to my late, dear friend, Joan. This family-favorite dessert brings comfort and joy, much like the memories of a friendship that will forever be cherished.
It is with a heavy heart that I share this post, a blend of profound grief and sweet memories. Just last week, the world lost a bright light, and I lost a truly remarkable friend in the blogging community. Her name was Joan, and she was the brilliant dessert blogger behind Chocolate, Chocolate and More. Joan was only 49 years old when she passed away, leaving behind three beloved children.
Her sudden departure was a shock to everyone who knew her. She went to bed feeling nauseous and suffered a heart attack during the night. I didn’t know it at the time, but apparently, nausea is one of the lesser-known, yet critical, symptoms of an oncoming heart attack in women. This revelation serves as a stark reminder for all of us to be vigilant about our health and listen to our bodies. Her passing has profoundly impacted me; I grapple daily with the reality that my sweet friend is gone, and her children are now without their mother.
I apologize if this post feels a bit sappy, but Joan was far more than a mere blogging acquaintance. She was a true confidante and a great friend, someone I often looked to as a mother figure. This past year, I had the incredible privilege of traveling with her on three separate occasions, and I am beyond grateful for every single memory we created together. Those moments are now treasures I will look back on and savor for the rest of my life.
Joan was a dessert lover through and through—chocolate being her ultimate passion. Therefore, it feels only right that this post, and especially this easy chocolate pie recipe, is dedicated to her. On this National Chocolate Day, this delicious chocolate pie is for you, my dear Joan! I know you would absolutely adore it, and I deeply wish you were here to share a slice with me.
Cherished Memories: Our Adventures and Lasting Bond
Our friendship began in April of this year, when I picked Joan up at LAX airport for a blogger retreat in Santa Barbara. I remember having some preconceived notions, thinking she might be a bit stuffy or even a little intimidating because she was a “bigger” blogger than I was. Oh, how wonderfully wrong I was!
Joan was the complete opposite. From the moment she stepped into the car, her vibrant personality shone through. She was funny, incredibly witty, and wonderfully chatty. That was one of the things I loved most about her – she always had something insightful or humorous to say, was quick to offer advice, and filled every room with her infectious laughter. What truly struck me was her incredible memory; she remembered even the smallest details I’d shared with her. Our time in Santa Barbara was, of course, amazing. We spent our days eating delicious food, exploring the beautiful sights, and talking about literally EVERYTHING. It felt like we had known each other for years.
However, our deepest connection solidified during the drive home. I had the opportunity to drive her back to LAX after the retreat, and I will never, ever forget that journey. It was during those hours that an almost instantaneous mother/daughter bond formed between us. She was so genuinely caring and incredibly helpful. She generously offered me invaluable pointers on everything from managing my Facebook fan page to improving my food photography. No question was off-limits, and she patiently answered every single one. She asked about my family and my background, and I could feel that she truly cared about me, not just as a colleague, but as a person. I was genuinely sad when I dropped her off, already looking forward to our next reunion.
Joan and I kept up our connection through frequent Facebook messages and emails. I loved how her messages were always direct and to the point, without any unnecessary fluff – just pure question and answer, delivered with her characteristic wit. She truly was a spitfire, and I adored that about her. Our next meeting was at the International Food Bloggers Conference (IFBC) in Seattle that September. Honestly, she was the sole reason I decided to go. After dropping her off at LAX in April, she made me promise I would attend IFBC. She even invited me to the special California Strawberries dinner there (pictured below), which became my primary motivation for making the trip. We shared so many laughs and unforgettable moments in Seattle.
Our final adventure together was a trip to Jamaica at the beginning of October, just a few short weeks before her passing. It feels surreal to think that such a brief time ago, I was relaxing on the beach with Joan, sitting on the deck of the Sandals resort, gazing over the turquoise water, and talking about everything under the sun. We discussed our lives, our dreams, our challenges, and our passions. Those conversations now feel even more precious, echoing in my mind.
And now, she’s gone. It’s a reality I simply cannot wrap my head around. I will miss her incredibly, profoundly. I can still hear her distinctive Georgia-accented voice in my head, offering advice or sharing a joke. I might sound a little nutty, but sometimes, I still find myself talking to her, as if she’s just on the other end of a phone call. The grief is immense, but so is the gratitude for having had her in my life.
Mom’s Easy Chocolate Pie: A Decadent Tribute
I know Joan is in a better place now, undoubtedly enjoying all the chocolate and yummy things her heart desires. What better way to celebrate the life of a true chocolate lover like Joan than by sharing my Mom’s Easy Chocolate Pie recipe today, on National Chocolate Day? I have no doubt she would have absolutely loved this pie. She was always good-naturedly teasing me for being “way too healthy,” so this decadent treat would certainly get her seal of approval. Not today, Joan, we’re indulging!
This recipe is truly a showstopper: decadent, rich, and undeniably not low-calorie. But it’s worth every single bite. My mom traditionally makes this homemade chocolate pie every single Thanksgiving, and it’s one of those cherished family traditions that I eagerly anticipate all year. It’s not just delicious; it’s also beautiful to look at, making it the perfect centerpiece for any holiday dessert table. What if I told you that, despite its impressive appearance and rich flavor, it’s genuinely “easy as pie” to make? Believe it, because it absolutely is! Especially if you opt for a convenient pre-made pie crust (which my mom, a baking purist, never does, but I certainly do, haha!).
The beauty of this simple chocolate pie lies in its uncomplicated steps and the use of everyday ingredients, without relying on instant pudding mixes. It’s a classic, old-fashioned chocolate pie that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. The creamy, smooth filling melts in your mouth, offering a luxurious chocolate experience that will leave everyone asking for a second slice. This easy chocolate pie truly needs to be on your holiday dessert table this season. You absolutely will not regret making it. I’m enjoying a generous slice today, savoring every bite in honor of my sweet friend, Joan. I miss you, my friend! #chocolateforjoan
Mom’s Easy Chocolate Pie Recipe
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Ingredients
- 1 8 ” pre-baked and cooled pie shell
- 1/2 cup milk
- 20 jumbo marshmallows
- 4 Almond Hershey candy bars
- 1/2 pint heavy whipping cream whipped
Instructions
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Melt marshmallows and candy bars in 1/2 cup milk on medium-low heat in a saucepan, stirring until all melted and incorporated.
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Set aside and cool completely to room temperature.
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Whip heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form, then gently fold into the cooled chocolate mixture until just combined.
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Pour the luscious chocolate filling into your pre-baked and cooled pie shell. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until thoroughly set. Serve chilled and enjoy this delightful, creamy chocolate pie!
Supporting Joan’s Legacy and Family
NOTE: In a testament to her foresight and generosity, Joan’s sister and cousin will be continuing the website Chocolate, Chocolate and More, as per Joan’s instructions. This is a wonderful way to honor her passion and talent. Please continue to visit her site for a wealth of delicious recipes. Your support will help ensure that Joan’s three children can continue to be supported financially, carrying on her legacy through their mother’s work. Thank you so much for your kindness and consideration during this difficult time.
Here are a few more yummy pie recipes from Joan, continuing her tradition of sweet indulgence:
Easy Brownie Pie
Dark Chocolate Cream Pie
Peanut Butter Pie with Chocolate Ganache