Black Forest Pie

   Years ago when the kids were little, I discovered a recipe for a cherry chocolate pudding pie on some package, that has long since been lost. Despite the origin, this is how I make one of the family's favorite holiday recipes. It's often requested at birthdays, but is always a staple on Thanksgiving and  Christmas.
  This is very easy with just a few ingredients and simple steps. My teenager daughter learned to make this long ago. The only tricks are to not add too much whipped topping to the pudding so that it sets up well and just scoop the cherries out of the syrup. Sometimes easy is good.
   There's one half done now in the fridge - waiting for the cool whip to thaw - oops! 

Black Forrest Pie
1 Oreo pie crust
1 can cherries
1 pkg. instant chocolate pudding mix
1-3/4 cup milk
1 pkg. Cool Whip
(the sprinkle of mini chocolate chips shown above, totally optional)

Make pudding according to directions for pie. Spread half of chocolate pudding on bottom of pie crust. 

Mix remaining pudding with 1-1/2 cups Cool Whip, folding in gently to make a light chocolate. Spread on top of dark chocolate layer. (You may need to let set in fridge to chill awhile for firmness.) 

Top with layer of whipped topping making slight indention in center. Spoon cherries into center and chill at least 4 hours before serving. Serves 6-8.

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