Cranberry Dream Pie

Does anyone out there actually eat the cranberry that gets set on the table every thanksgiving? I see it year after year, awkwardly jiggling next to the turkey, never really giving up the shape of the can it came out of. To be honest, it grosses me out. And with all the delicious foods and flavors this holiday brings why let one black sheep ruin the festive spread? I decided things will be different this year. My mission was to make a delicious dish with cranberry. I actually came up with two. Both desserts. The Cranberry Dream Pie was my favorite of the two so it debuts on the blog first. Seriously this pie is amazing! It has a few steps and might seem semi complicated to those of you who aren't comfortable in the kitchen but it is worth a try. My mouth is watering for another piece as I type this!

Cranberry Dream Pie

2 cups chocolate wafer crumbs (or crushed Oreos)

1/3 cup melted butter

2 squares semi sweet chocolate (mini chocolate chips work too)

1 orange

9 oz softened cream cheese

14 oz whole cranberry sauce

1/4 cup sugar

1 cup whipped cream

1 tsp vanilla

Mix wafer crumbs and butter to form your pie crust. Bake at 350 for ten minutes or until set.

Coarsely chop chocolate.

grate orange peel and mix into chocolate and set aside ***DO NOT skip this step, the orange flavor is a key ingredient in this dessert***

In an electric mixer (kitchen aid or equivalent) beat the cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.

Add cranberry and sugar and continue to beat until evenly mixed.

stir in chocolate and orange.

Gently fold the whipped cream and vanilla into the cranberry mixture. ****careful to fold and not mix or beat or you will loose the fluffy airy quality of this pie***

Pour mixture into pie crust, cover with plastic wrap and freeze for 6 or more hours.

Remove 30 minutes prior to serving.

Garnish with whipped cream, mint or chocolate shavings.

If your looking to save time on this dessert you can buy a pre-made Oreo shell and skip the first step.