Sweet Kitchen Cravings

Chocolate Peppermint Mousse: Melt the chopped chocolate in the microwave in 20-second increments, stirring well in between until the chocolate is completely melted. Whisk together the cocoa powder and hot water in a small bowl, until fully combined. Slowly add the cocoa mixture into the melted chocolate, while whisking. Set aside to cool slightly.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, add the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract. Whip the cream until soft peaks form – be sure not to overwhip the cream.
Add ⅓ of the whipped cream to the slightly cooled chocolate mixture and gently fold it in with a rubber spatula until some streaks remain. Add another ⅓ of the whipped cream to the chocolate and repeat the process until all of it is incorporated and no streaks remain. The mixture should thicken as you incorporate the whipped cream.
Add the chocolate peppermint mousse to the chocolate cookie pie crust and smooth it out evenly with a small offset spatula. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
Chocolate Ganache: Once the pie is chilled and the mousse is set, make the ganache. Combine the chopped chocolate and heavy cream in a heatproof dish and microwave the mixture for 20 seconds, then stir to combine. Repeat this process, stirring until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and shiny. Be careful not to overheat the ganache and only heat as much as needed to melt the chocolate.
Pour the ganache on top of the chocolate mousse layer and spread it out to the edges evenly. Chill in the fridge until the ganache is completely set.
Peppermint Whipped Cream: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, add the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract. Whip until medium-stiff peaks form, stiff enough for piping.
Finishing: Fill a piping bag fitted with a large French piping tip, with the peppermint whipped cream. Pipe rosettes around the outer edge of the pie, sprinkle crushed candy canes all over the top, then serve and enjoy!