Cooking: My Language of Love

My daughter returned to college for her sophomore year this week.  A few days before we drove the ten hours to her campus, I began to fret.  Had I made enough of her favorite meals this summer?

This worry, of course, was just a metaphor of my real thoughts: Have I spent enough time with her?  Have I done enough for her? Have I taught her well enough how to live on her own? Can I come to terms that my "little girl" no longer really lives at home? 

The meal plan at her college is so good, in reality she probably won't miss my cooking.  But, she had commented several times last year that she missed my desserts! So - with only two days left to spend at home, I asked her what desserts she would like to have.  

Even though she is excited to return to her college life, I think packing up her belongings was hard on my daughter, also. She carefully considered the possibilities, but then suggested her favorites

• Apple Crisp
• Chocolate-Marshmallow Pie 

Chocolate Marshmallow Pie 

Since she suggested two desserts, of course I made them both, and some cookies to take to her roommates as well!

For me, the real name of Chocolate-Marshmallow Pie will always be "Hershey Chocolate Preschool Pie."  When my son was in preschool, his classmates all contributed recipes, and I was responsible for compiling them into a gift for his teacher. The mother of a classmate named Nathan submitted this recipe, and it looked so good I copied it down!  I don't know where the recipe originally came from, but I suspect it may have been developed in the Hershey Company kitchens.

The rich, delicious flavor of this pie may not be the only reason it has evolved into a favorite of my family. We have a strong affiliation to Hershey's chocolate, as my husband and I met when we both lived in Hershey, Pennsylvania!

Chocolate Marshmallow Pie (a.k.a. Hershey Chocolate Preschool Pie)

1. Melt over low heat, stirring occasionally, until marshmallows are completely melted:

• 4 Hershey Bars (1.55 oz. each)
• 20 regular sized marshmallows
• 1/2 cup milk

2. Set melted chocolate mixture in fridge to cool.

3. Whip 1/2 pint whipping cream and fold into cooled mixture.

4. Pour into a 9-inch graham cracker shell. (purchased or homemade).

5. Let stand (in fridge) for several hours, or preferably overnight.

6. Serve with whipped cream as a garnish.

This dessert is so rich, for most people a small piece is enough.

I somehow found it comforting that before she headed back to college, my daughter asked for a dessert we have all enjoyed since preschool days. The time she was our little girl has not been long enough, but it was very special for us all.  

No matter how grown up they get, my husband and I will always try to provide a "Hershey Chocolate Preschool Pie" (metaphorically or otherwise!) whenever either of our kids need one.

My very favorite chocolate is Hershey chocolate.  What is yours?

This post may be linked to one of the great link-up parties I follow and list on my blog.  Check them out!