Husband Pie, aka Mikey's Pie, aka Creamy Peanut Butter Pie

Serves 10 to 12 8 ounces chocolate cookies 4 tablespoons butter, melted 4 ounces finely chopped chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips 1/4 cup chopped peanuts 1 cup heavy cream 8 ounces cream cheese 1 cup creamy-style peanut butter 1 cup confectioner's sugar 1 – 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

1. Add the cookies to the bowl of a food processor and pulse into fine crumbs.
2. Combine melted butter and cookie crumbs in a small bowl, and stir with a fork to mix well.
3. Press mixture into the bottom and 1-inch up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan.
4. Melt the chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave. Pour over bottom of cookie crust and spread to the edges using an off-set spatula.
5. Sprinkle chopped peanuts over the melted chocolate. Place pan in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling.
6. Pour the heavy cream into a bowl and beat using a stand mixer or hand mixer until stiff peaks form.
7. Transfer to a small bowl and store in refrigerator until ready to use.
8. Place the cream cheese and peanut butter in a deep bowl. Beat on medium speed until light and fluffy.
9. Reduce speed to low and gradually beat in the confectioner's sugar.
10. Add the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract and lemon juice.
11. Increase speed to medium and beat until all the ingredients are combined and filling is smooth.
12. Stir in 1/3 of the whipped cream into the filling mixture (helps lighten the batter, making it easier to fold in the remaining whipped cream).
13. Fold in the remaining whipped cream.
14. Pour the filling into the prepared springform pan.
15. Drizzle the melted chocolate on top, if using, and refrigerate for three hours or overnight before serving.

A few years ago I found this recipe from Jennie's Kitchen along with the most heartbreaking story about how her husband Mikey died suddenly from an unforeseen heart attack. Jennie is a food blogger and has made many posts since about cherishing what you have while she cooks and heals with her two daughters. We love this pie and every time I make it, we as a family try to hug each other a little longer, love each other a little more, and forgive a little quicker. I can't imagine her loss, and selfishly I hope I never have to experience it. Thank you for the reminder that life is precious.