An incredibly easy Chocolate Pie recipe that my Mom makes every Thanksgiving and a tribute to my late friend, Joan. <3
I have a heavy heart as I write this post. Last week, a great blog friend of mine passed away. Her name was Joan and she was a dessert blogger at Chocolate, Chocolate and More. She was only 49 years old. She leaves behind three kids. Three. She went to bed feeling nauseas and had a heart attack during the night (I didn’t know it but apparently nausea is one of the symptoms of oncoming heart attacks in women). I’m forever changed by this, guys. I can’t get passed it that my friend is gone. And her sweet kids are left without a mother.
I’m sorry if I get all sappy in this post but Joan was more than a blogging acquaintance to me. She was a great friend. More like a mother to me. I had the privilege of going on three trips with her this year and I’m beyond grateful for the memories that I have to look back on and savor.
Joan was a dessert lover through and through and so this post is dedicated to her. On National Chocolate Day, this chocolate pie recipe is for you, my dear Joan! I know you would love it and I wish you were here to eat a piece with me!
The first time I met Joan, I picked her up at LAX airport and headed to Barbara Barbara in April for a blogger retreat. We had an instant connection. I remember thinking that she was probably going to be stuffy or rude because she was a “bigger” blogger than myself.
Oh just the opposite! She was funny, witty and chatty. That’s one of the things I loved the most about her! She always had something to say, always giving advice and just laughing. Lots of laughter! She seemed to remember things I would tell her, even little tiny things. We of course had an amazing time in Santa Barbara, eating and talking about EVERYTHING.
But our real connection was on the drive home. I had the opportunity to drive her back to LAX after the retreat was over and I will never forget that drive. We had a crazy bond. Like an instant sort of mother/daughter thing. She was so caring and helpful. She gave me pointers on my Facebook fan page, photography, you name it. No question was off limits. She asked about my family, and my background and I knew she really cared about me. I was sad when I dropped her off and couldn’t wait to see her again.
Joan and I kept up on Facebook and email, messaging each other a lot. I loved how her messages weren’t fluffy, just straight to the point. Question and answer, that was Joan! Such a spitfire, too. 😉 The next time I saw her was at the International Food Bloggers Conference this September in Seattle. She was the only reason I went. Honest to goodness, she was the only reason. After I dropped her off at LAX in April, she made me promise that I would go to IFBC. She invited me to the California Strawberries dinner (pictured below) and it was my sole reason for going. So many laughs together in Seattle!
We also had the opportunity of going to Jamaica the beginning of October. Just a few weeks ago! Just a few short weeks ago, I was beaching it up with Joan. Sitting on the deck of the Sandals resort, looking over the water and talking about all the things.
And now she’s gone.
I just can’t wrap my head around it. I will miss her so incredibly much. I can still hear her cute Georgia-accented voice talking to me in my head and I might be a little nutty but I talk to her sometimes, too. 😉
I know she’s in a better place, eating all the chocolate and yummy things. What better way to celebrate a chocolate lover like Joan, than sharing my Mom’s Easy Chocolate Pie today on National Chocolate Day? I know she would have loved this pie. She was always teasing me for being “way too healthy”. Not today!
This recipe is decadent, rich and definitely not low-calorie. 😉 My mom makes this chocolate pie recipe every Thanksgiving. It’s one of the traditions that I look forward to every year. It’s so pretty and absolutely delicious! But would you believe me if I told you that it’s “easy as pie” to make? Believe it, because it is! Especially if you buy a pre-made crust (which my mom never does, but I do, haha!)
This easy chocolate pie needs to be on your dessert table this holiday season. You won’t regret it. I’m having a slice today in honor of my sweet friend, Joan. I miss you, my friend! #chocolateforjoan
Mom's Easy Chocolate Pie Recipe
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
- Melt marshmallows and candy bars in 1/2 cup milk on medium-low heat in a saucepan, stirring until all melted and incorporated.
- Set aside and cool.
- Whip heavy whipping cream and fold into cooled chocolate mixture.
- Pour into baked pie shell and refrigerate until set. Serve and enjoy!
NOTE: Joan’s sister and cousin will be continuing the website Chocolate, Chocolate and More as per Joan’s instructions. Please continue to visit this site for delicious recipes so that Joan’s three kids can continue to be supported financially! Thank you so much!
Here are a few more yummy pie recipes from Joan…
So sorry for your loss – Joan sounds like such a wonderful woman! Though it’s a sad time, it’s been so nice hearing all about her through everyone’s blog posts. I never knew her but liked her blog and it’s so sad to see her gone so soon. My thoughts and prayers are with all her family and friends. and yes, MORE CHOCOLATE FOR JOAN! =)
This is beautiful, Jen. I loved reading about your friendship and seeing the way she touched your life. She was a truly amazing person and everyone who knew her was better for it.
So very sorry to hear that Joan passed so eay in her life. My God bless her, her children, family and friends.
I have read several blogs today that paid tribute to Joan. It is so sad to see how quickly and without warning this happened. I feel so bad for her family and her friends. Sounds like she was a very likable person. What town in GA did she live in? I am from GA also.
I’ve spent nearly my entire day reading about Joan and her love for her friends. She sure was a great soul, and will be missed by so many!! And for sure she would love this sweet chocolate pie 🙂
Such a great tribute post! I’m so thankful for you and your friendship and this community. It’s kind of amazing!! Like this pie – your mom is a genius!
I’m so sorry to hear about Joan. She’s always been one of my favorite bloggers. Blessings on her family and friends.
Oh my goodness! I had just signed up for Joan’s blogs this past Monday. Jen, I’m so sorry to learn of your (and our) loss. She sounded like a warm, loving, delightful person. Everyone will be in my prayers.
Jen: I’m very sorry to hear about the sudden passing of your friend and fellow blogger, Joan. My prayers go out to her family! We ladies (even though we all lead very busy lives) all need to be aware of the warning signs of an impending heart attack. Please urge your followers to log on to the “American Heart Association” website. There, they will learn ALL of the warning signs of an impending heart attack, and what to do if that should happen to them. Nevertheless, let’s all try to stay healthy by cooking and eating healthy meals, and promoting this mindset to our kids. BTW Jen, I love your blog, since I always try to serve my family healthy meals. Your recipes have always been a huge hit with us, so keep ’em coming!
I will NEVER forget when you all pulled into the driveway, laughing about how lost you were because you all were so deep in conversation. I hope I get to see you soon and give you hugs.
So sorry to hear of Joan’s passing. So sad. I would like to try making this delicious looking pie – just wondered what size are the chocolate bars? Thank you!!
Thanks Janet! They’re the sort of smallish ones, I believe 1.45 oz size. I’m so happy you’re making this! It’s delicious!
I learned to make this pie when I was Home Economics class. Brings back SO many memories!!! The pie is delicious and everyone loves it. Thanks for the flash back❤️
Oh yay! I’m happy I could bring the recipe back to you! It’s one of our favorite pies in the history of all pies, lol! Thanks Karen!
This recipe sounds delicious and so easy even though I’m very late to the party 🙂 Can I use regular Hershey candy bars instead of the almond? And how many would I use since the regular candy bars are bigger? I’m not very good in the kitchen and don’t want to guess at this. Thank you!
I’m the one late to the party, lol! You can definitely use regular Hershey bars, same amount as the almond ones. They’re not that different in size and it will make it more chocolatey (is that a word?) It will still turn out amazing! My mom just liked the bite of the almonds. Sorry for my late reply!