Memorial Day Weekend is here!  First – our thanks to all brave men and women who have made possible the many opportunities we cherish in this great country.  To all those who have and do serve {special shout out to my own soldier son} our love and prayers go out to all of you!

Traditionally, Memorial Day Weekend kicks off Summer- pot lucks, picnics, barbecues, pool parties, beach parties, family reunions, vacations – whatever your plans for the summer, this Strawberry Pretzel Ice Cream Pie is a beautiful way to kick off your celebration!   Easy, refreshing, and just plan good!  You’ve got all the right ingredients for a cool, refreshing summer treat – ice cream, fresh strawberries, chocolate, a little salty flavor from the pretzels, and whipped cream!

I’m sure you can find something to celebrate every week!  Happy Memorial Day and enjoy your summer!  What are your plans??

Strawberry Pretzel Ice Cream Pie

Ingredients

For the Crust {Or use a store-bought chocolate crust}*

1 9 oz package chocolate cookie wafers

2 tablespoons sugar

1/2 cup butter melted

For the Filling

1/2 –  1 cup pretzel sticks

4 cups strawberry ice cream

1/2 cup hot fudge sauce (recipe here or use store-bought)

1 cup heavy whipping cream

2 tablespoons powdered sugar

fresh strawberries, more pretzel sticks and chocolate curls for garnish

Directions

To make the crust:  Process cookies in food processor until finely ground (or place them in a zip lock and pound with rolling pin).  Add sugar and melted butter.  Press mixture into a 9 inch pie plate.  Freeze for 30 minutes.

To fill:  Break pretzels in half or thirds and  layer on the top of the chocolate crust (doesn’t have to cover completely).  Fill crust with strawberry ice cream (allow it to set out a few minutes or microwave for 30 second intervals until it  can be stirred and spread).  Freeze for at least 30 minutes or until ready to serve.

When ready to serve, spoon hot fudge topping (not hot, just spreadable) over pie and spread over top.  Freeze for 15 minutes.  Meanwhile whip the cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form.  Spread whipped cream over pie and top with fresh sliced strawberries, a few more pretzel sticks and some chocolate curls (Run a vegetable peeler down the side of a chocolate bar).

*NOTE:  If you want to use a store-bought chocolate crust, I recommend the Oreo brand- it’s got a darker, prettier color.