Instructions: TODAYS FRENCH SILK PIE - Through the years, one major change has been made to this famous recipe: the pie now has a COOKED filling to guard against possible food poisoning associated with raw eggs. Yet, the silky richness of the original recipe still remains.

In a heavy 2-quart saucepan, combine the 1 cup whipping cream, chocolate pieces, butter and sugar. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, till chocolate is melted. This should take about 10 minutes. Remove pan from heat.

Gradually stir about half of the hot mixture into the beaten egg yolks. Return egg mixture to saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, till mixture is slightly thickened and NEARLY bubbly. This should take 3 to 5 minutes. Remove saucepan from heat. (Mixture may appear to separate.) Stir in creme de cacao or whipping cream.

Place saucepan in a bowl of ice water; stir occasionally till mixture stiffens and becomes hard to stir (20 minutes). Transfer chocolate mixture to a medium mixing bowl.

Beat the cooled chocolate mixture with an electric mixer on Medium to High speed for 2 to 3 minutes, or until light and fluffy. Spread filling in a baked pastry shell. Cover and chill pie about 5 hours or until set, or for up to 24 hours.

At serving time, top each serving with whipped cream and sprinkle with chocolate curls or miniature chocolate pieces, if desired.

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