Grasshopper Pie

Asked by JGwynneth. Answered on 10th June 2012

Full question

My blind daughter believes she heard Nigella describing a "grasshopper pie" which involved marshmallow, mint, biscuit base and , she thinks, cheesecake. I have been unable to find this recipe. Can you please help. Irvine Jones

Our answer

Nigella has her own recipe for Grashopper Pie in her book Kitchen. Nigella's version has a biscuit crumb base made from crushed bourbon biscuits (or a similar chocolate creme filled sandwich cookie) and a filling made from melted marshmallows mixed with whipped cream and flavoured with creme de menthe and creme de cacao (for advice on the liqueurs please see our previous posts in Kitchen Queries).

Some versions of grasshopper pie may contain cream cheese and/or whipped cream but involve using gelatine. Nigella's method of using marshmallows is easier and the gelatine you need to set the filling is already incorporated in the marshmallows.

When you make the pie keep an eye on the melting marshmallow and milk mixture and do not let it boil, as this can affect the gelatine and prevent the filling from setting. Also let the mixture cool completely before using it and make sure that the double (heavy) cream has reached proper "soft peaks" before adding the marshmallow mixture.