Famous in Arkansas, Possum Pie earned it's name because everything is ‘hiding’ or playing possum under the whipped cream. In this rendition, Tío adds a bit of spice to reflect his heritage.
Place all pecans needed for recipe in a skillet on medium heat and sauté until they just begin to turn fragrant and brown, about 3 to 5 minutes (watch closely so they don’t burn). Remove from heat and place on a plate to let cool.
Spray a 9-inch pie plate with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
Finely chop 3/4 cup of the toasted pecans for the crust. Combine melted butter, flour and pecans. Spread the dough evenly over the bottom of the pan, pressing down with your fingers. Bake at 350 degrees for about 20-25 minutes or until the dough just begins to brown. Remove from oven and let cool.
Forget the second layer for the moment and move on to the third layer.
While the first layer (crust) bakes, in a medium saucepan, add the sugar, cocoa powder, flour, salt, cinnamon (optional), ground chilies (optional), and corn starch. In a small bowl, beat egg yolks until broken up, then milk. On medium heat, add milk mixture to dry ingredients, whisking constantly until pudding begins to boil and thicken, about 7-10 minutes. Remove from heat. Add vanilla. Add Kahlúa (optional), but remember to only put in 1 teaspoon of vanilla, not 2, if you’re adding Kahlúa Let cool about 5 minutes. Pour pudding in a shallow bowl and place a piece of plastic wrap on the surface so a skin does not form. Place in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, powdered sugar and milk. Beat with electric mixture for 2-3 minutes or combined.
Place mixer bowl and whisk in freezer for at least 20 minutes to chill. Pour heavy whipping cream, sugar and vanilla into the cold bowl and whisk on high speed until medium to stiff peaks form, about 1 minute. Do not over beat.
Spread cream cheese mixture over the completely cooled crust base. Remove pudding from fridge. Carefully spread the completely cooled pudding over the cream cheese layer. Top with whipped cream, toasted pecans and chocolate shavings if desired. Refrigerate or serve, cut into small pieces.
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