Karen's Russian Mousse Pie

Total Time: 45 mins Preparation Time: 45 mins

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups chocolate wafer crumbs (about 30 wafers)
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 3 ounces unflavored gelatin (1 envelope...not positive it's 3 oz., just use 1 pkg)
• 1/4 cup cold water
• 3 eggs, separated
• 7 tablespoons sugar
• 1/4 cup kahlua, plus
• 1 tablespoon kahlua
• 2 tablespoons vodka
• 1/2 cup whipping cream
• 1 cup whipping cream
• 3 tablespoons kahlua
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• chocolate curls, and (optional)
• dark chocolate curls (optional)

Recipe

• 1 for crust: combine first 3 ingredients in 9-inch springform pan; press into bottom and up sides. refrigerate until firm.
• 2 for filling: sprinkle gelatin over water in small bowl. set in pan of simmering water and stir until dissolved. whisk yolks and 4 tablespoons sugar in large bowl until thickened and light. gradually whisk in dissolved gelatin. blend in 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon kahlua and vodka. set in larger bowl filled with ice and stir until mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
• 3 beat egg whites to soft peaks. gradually add remaining 3 tablespoons sugar and beat until stiff and shiny. fold into gelatin mixture. beat 1/2 cup cream to stiff peaks. fold into gelatin mixture. turn filling into crust. refrigerate pie at least 3 hours or overnight.
• 4 for topping: beat 1 cup whipping cream to soft peaks. add 3 tablespoons kahlua and 2 tablespoons sugar and beat to stiff peaks. swirl topping over pie. garnish with chocolate curls, if desired. serve chilled.