What a day already! Does anyone else get super stressed over Christmas shopping? It’s the time of year when everything our kids want is out of stock, unless of course they are with us which does us no good, and you drive around making aimless stops wasting countless hours just in hopes of getting that “certain” item! I know I’m sounding kind of Scroogy, I do adore this time of year and remember the excitement of getting gifts as a child, I just think it’s so far out of control these days! And honestly, my sweet kids really have so little they are asking for this year which is a first! Well I lucked out big time today! Target was out of one of the things I want to get for one of my kids with no answers as to whether they will get it again or not!

So I got to my car, which of course I couldn’t find in the parking lot, again, (I have a bad case of losing the car syndrome wherever I go) and had a thought. My first thought was, I still have 20 days! Well, 19 to shop, but to be honest I HATE shopping, unless it’s thrifting or I can handle rummaging through Target on occasion. I know, I know, I’m female, I’m supposed to love shopping. I really used to! My next thought was I could go to the other Target but it’s 10 minutes away with no guarantee. Then I remembered one other place that just may have this.  I stopped at this place in hopes of getting this item and not only did they have it, they beat the price by a good amount! One of my favorite sayings is “if it’s meant to be, it will be!”  I cannot say where this happened for this reason. My kids are 11 and almost 14, and I get away with nothing. They follow me all over social media, read my blog, especially my daughter, and if they see where I went or if I make any other comments about it they will know what I bought and there goes the fun of the surprise! I really wish I could tell where I got this deal! So I feel a small sense of accomplishment:-) Mixed with the fact I’m on a Dunkin Donuts Iced Coffee high, I’m ready to get some work done!

This recipe I am sharing with you today is about the simplest “cheat” dessert you can make! I call it a cheat because it’s just so quick and easy but looks so nice and tastes DIVINE! I am obsessed beyond measure with chocolate and peanut butter. I think many people share that obsession with me! So because you share that with me and because of how amazing this pie tastes, I want to share it with you! Here you are!

Ingredients:

1 package of instant chocolate pudding mix

2 cups of cold milk

1 cup of peanut butter, melted (I used the microwave)

1 refrigerated pie crust

mini Reece’s peanut butter cups, cut in half (approx 10, I didn’t count, sorry!)

whipped cream for topping (I used canned, homemade would be awesome too)

Directions:

Take the pie crust out of the refrigerator about 15 minutes before you need to plate it in your pie dish. While you are waiting for the crust to soften up cut your peanut butter cups in half so they are ready. When it’s softened and warm up a bit, put it in your pie dish, crinkle the edges and put a bunch of holes on the bottom of the crust with a fork. You don’t want to forget to put the holes in there or your pie crust will bubble badly! Bake the pie crust at 425 degrees for about 15 minutes or until done. It cooks quickly so watch it carefully. Remove from heat and set aside to cool completely.
When the crust is completely cool take your cup of peanut butter and microwave it until is warm and fluid then pour it onto your pie crust. In a large mixing bowl whisk together the pudding mixture and the milk until it thickens, about 2 minutes or so. When it’s thickened pour into your pie right over the peanut butter. Place your peanut butter cups on the pie however you wish to see them, or as I did. Refrigerate at least an hour before serving.

Is that not the easiest!? And it will be a huge hit I promise! And don’t forget to top with whipped cream! Enjoy!