Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Pie

Happy Monday to everyone! We had a very rainy weekend here in southwest Ohio, but that's ok. I got my parent's kitchen painted and started on their familyroom. I completed a very cute jean skirt from a damaged pair of jeans (look for that to be posted on my craft blog http://www.smittenkittencrafts.blogspot.com/) and I did spend some quality time with the husband and kids. Now I am ready for a full week of work at home ... here's an easy "throw together" pie for a Monday night. Just a few ingredients and you're on your way to a delicious summer treat. You could exchange the chocolate chip ice cream for anything. I would LOVE to try a raspberry chip (Graeter's here in SW Ohio is the best). Can you imagine this pie with raspberry chip ice cream and some chocolate drizzled fresh raspberries ... well, I was running out to pick up basil and pesto for a casserole tonight, might as well grab some other things too, right? ENJOY!

Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Pie Serves 8

1/2 c. chocolate syrup
1/2 c. semisweet chocolate chips
2 c. crisp rice cereal
1/4 c. sour cream
1 quart chocolate chip ice cream, softened

1. Coat bottom and sides of an 8" pie plate (deep dish is best) lightly with butter.

2. Combine chocolate syrup and chocolate chips in a small microwave safe bowl. Microwave on high until hot, about 45 seconds. Stir until smooth. Reserve 1/4 c. of this chocolate mixture.

3. Combine remaining chocolate mixture and cereal in a medium bowl and mix to coat cereal. Press mixture over bottom and up the sides of prepared pie plate. Freeze until firm, about 15 minutes.

4. Combine reserved chocolate mixture and sour cream in a small bowl and mix well. Spread half the ice cream over the chocolate / cereal mixture in the pie plate. Drizzle with half the sour cream mixture. Top with remaining ice cream and drizzle with remaining sour cream mixture. Freeze pie, covered until firm, about 1 hour.

TIP: To cut this pie, keep a glass of warm water near you when slicing. Dip your knife into warm water before and after each cut. This warms the ice cream, just enough, to cut easily. **