Cheer Camp and Paradise Pie

Today was Belle and E Dru's last day of cheer camp. Those two just make me laugh. And whereas, I am about as far from the cheerleading type as one can possibly be, I have to admit, I thoroughly enjoy watching them do their cheer thing. Not that I've lost hope in them being total ballers... but a girly side is also a must. And do these two ever have a girly side. Wow.

Here are a couple pictures from the day and a little video clip. The quality is bad, but you'll get the picture. It's just too awesomely cute not to share.






And I cannot leave you without sharing this awesome recipe. Matt and I LOVE the chocolate chip paradise pie at Chili's, and I finally found a copycat recipe that is SO CLOSE to the real thing. So if you love the Chili's version, you really must try this.


COOKIE LAYER
· 1 cup all-purpose flour
· 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
· 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
· 1/2 cup butter, softened (1 stick)
· 1/3 cup granulated sugar
· 1 egg
· 1 tablespoon milk
· 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
· 1/2 cup shredded coconut

CRUST LAYER
· 6 tablespoons butter
· 1/4 cup sugar
· 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
· 1 1/4 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
· 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

CINNAMON BUTTER
· 1/2 cup butter, softened (1 stick)
· 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
· 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
· 4 1/2 cups vanilla ice cream
· 9 tablespoons caramel syrup
· 9 tablespoons chocolate syrup
· 6 tablespoons chopped walnuts

Preheat the oven to 325°F.

Combine the flour, baking soda and baking powder in a medium bowl.

In a separate large bowl, beat together the butter and sugar with an electric mixer. Continue beating for about 30 seconds or until mixture turns lighter in color. Add the egg, milk, and vanilla and beat until smooth.

Slowly mix the dry mixture into the wet mixture. Beat until well-combined and then mix in the coconut flakes. Set this cookie dough aside for now.

Melt 6 tablespoons of butter in a medium bowl in the microwave on high temperature for about 30 seconds. Add the sugar and stir well for 30 seconds.

Add the graham cracker crumbs and stir. Press this mixture into the bottom of a 9x9-inch baking dish or pan.

Sprinkle the cup of chocolate chips evenly over the graham cracker crust.

Press the cookie dough into the dish, covering the chocolate chips. Use flour on your fingers to keep the soft dough from sticking.

Sprinkle the chopped walnuts over the dough. Use your fingers to press the nuts into the dough.

Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the edges of the “pie” become light brown.

Prepare the cinnamon butter by creaming together the butter, sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl with an electric mixer on high speed.

When you are ready to make your dessert, heat up a small skillet over medium heat. When the skillet is hot, remove it from the heat then add about 1 tablespoon of the cinnamon butter to the pan. It should quickly melt and sizzle.

Slice the “pie” into 9 pieces and place one into the hot skillet. If the “pie” has cooled, you can reheat each slice by zapping it in the microwave for 30-40 seconds.

Place a 1/2 cup scoop of ice cream on top of the “pie.” Drizzle 1 tablespoon chocolate and caramel syrup over the dessert and then sprinkle about 2 teaspoons of chopped walnuts over the top.

Repeat for the remaining ingredients and serve sizzling in skillet.