PENNINGTON'S BLACK BOTTOM PIE

Steps:

• Make a high-fluted edge on pie shell when preparing shell to hold the filling.
• Melt butter in a large double boiler over high heat.
• Add red food color, vanilla and butter extract.
• Add three-quarters of the milk and heat through.
• Reserve a quarter of the milk.
• Mix all dry ingredients in a large bowl; add the remaining milk, blending until smooth.
• Separate eggs, storing whites in a metal bowl in the refrigerator; add yolks to mixture, whisking until smooth and well blended.
• When the mixture in the double boiler reaches 180 degrees, add cornstarch mixture, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
• Turn heat to low and cook for 1 hour.
• Whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
• Fold the chocolate mixture into the egg white very gently, just until no white streaks appear.
• Pour into pie shell.
• Refrigerate until pie is completely cooled.
• Top with whipped topping just before serving.
• To make whipped topping:.
• Pour whipping cream into chilled mixing bowl.
• Add sugar and mix with chilled beaters.
• Mix on medium until peaks begin to form.
• Spread onto pie with a spatula.
• It should have peaks and waves on the surface.
• To make the pie crust:.
• Mix flour and salt in bowl.
• Lightly cut in shortening with a pastry blender until mixture resembles a coarse meal.
• Sprinkle in water a small amount at a time, until all particles are moistened and cling together when pressed into a ball.
• Cover with a damp cloth and let rest for a few minutes.
• Roll out thin (less than an 1/8 inch) on lightly floured board.
• Fold and place in pie pan.
• Prick bottom and sides of baking shell first.
• Bake at 425° for 12 to 15 minutes or until lightly browned.
• Cool.