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Decadent Brownie Yogurt Pie and a Little New York City

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I have been a bad girl. A bad, bad girl. These last three days I have eaten my way through New York City. I feel like I need to do a cleansing week of just raw vegetables and lots of juices.

But before I can get to this cleansing thing, let’s talk chocolate! And yogurt! Chobani Greek Yogurt!MMM! My mamma always told me when someone gives you food, you can’t give back their plate empty. Now my mamma didn’t really tell me that, but it is the right thing to do! You have to give their plate back to them with something you’ve cooked or baked. My darling friend Lauren came by with these amazing baked apples wrapped in phyllo dough drizzled with homemade caramel. How sweet is that?
Let’s just say we all really enjoyed her thoughtful gesture. It was gone even before I could photograph it! She knows that apple desserts are my favorite and she always brings me a tasting when she bakes something with apples.
I know that chocolate desserts are their favorite! When my sweet and very talented baker friend Lindsey from Gingerbread Bagels told me she was choosing me to be the next participant in the Chobani Greek Yogurt Challenge, I was so excited! I eat Chobani Greek Yogurt religiously! When I found out they were sending me some to bake with I was just giddy and prepared a list of recipes to show you. But I could only do one for the challenge.
This is the Chobani mitt that has been signed and mailed to all the food blog participants. This is Lindsey’s photo. My mitt is on the way from LindseySmileso I borrowed her image. Thanks Lindsey! I can’t wait to sign mine too and send it back to Chobani.

                               
I have had my eye on this decadent and supposedly light version of a Mississippi Mud Pie. Yes, a LIGHT version. Light and DELICIOUS! Winking smileIt is nowhere near a Mississippi Mud Pie. It was more like a Brownie Pie, and that is why I called it that.

My friend’s mother-in-law Ann is from Georgia. She makes THE REAL super high-calorie Mississippi Mud Pie. She told me on Christmas Eve she would even give me her recipe. Ann explained that it calls for a stick of butter, lots of marshmallows, and pecans from Georgia. She made some for their family Christmas Eve party that we are always invited to and I had two tiny squares. TINY. As I felt the enamel peeling away from my teeth, I couldn’t stop thinking about getting her recipe. But since we sort of overdid it during Christmas time, I thought I’d try the lighter version and share with my friend Lauren. I will still make Ann’s version one day.

This pie was amazing. The crust was perfect and the filling puffed up very nicely from the 4 egg whites. The addition of the Chobani Greek Yogurt made the filling very moist and light. This is nothing like Ann’s Mississippi Mud Pie. If you would like a brownie pie recipe that has a light, chocolaty crust, and a rich moist filling, you have to try this! I of course had to add just a smidgen of Nutella and more chocolate than the recipe called for.
Lauren and her family loved it. My family loved it. I just made another one tonight for my spoiled rotten kids! I decided to try it without the pie crust and it was a fabulous brownie!  Now this brownie is not pretty when you cut it. It forms a nice topping that cracks as soon as you make the first cut. Nothing like thick crumbles of chocolate all over your counter that you have to eat up.

I will not be telling Ann that I made a light Mississippi Mud Pie. She would just tell me in her sweet Southern accent, “Lora, now that can’t be a REAL Mississippi Mud Pie if it is light.” Winking smile

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching. This Decadent Brownie Yogurt Pie is a dessert that is perfect for the ending of a romantic meal with your sweetie. Or better yet, make it your romantic meal. Winking smile
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Look at these other wonderful Chobani Greek Yogurt recipes by some of my friends:
Sweet Yogurt Bread from Anecdotes and Apple Cores
Blueberry Orange Yogurt Muffins from Gingerbread Bagels
Greek Yogurt Crème Brûlée from A Thought for Food

Decadent Brownie Yogurt Pie

Yield: 10 servings (serving size: 1 slice)
*I used a 7–inch pie plate.

Ingredients

Crust:

  • 4.5  ounces  all-purpose flour (about 1 cup)
  • 2  tablespoons  sugar
  • 2  tablespoons  unsweetened cocoa
  • 1/4  teaspoon  salt
  • 2 1/2  tablespoons  vegetable shortening
  • 2  tablespoons  chilled butter, cut into small pieces
  • 1/4  cup  ice water
  • Cooking spray

Filling:

  • 4  tablespoons  butter
  • 4  ounces  semisweet chocolate chips
  • 4 tablespoons Nutella
  • 6 ounces low-fat Chobani Greek Yogurt
  • 1  teaspoon  vanilla extract
  • 4  large egg whites
  • 1  cup  sugar
  • 1  cup all-purpose flour 
  • 1/3  cup  Dutch process cocoa
  • 1  teaspoon  baking powder
  • Dash of salt

Preparation

1. To prepare crust, weigh or lightly spoon 4.5 ounces (about 1 cup) flour into a dry measuring cup; level with a knife. Combine 4.5 ounces flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a food processor; pulse 2 times or until blended. Add shortening and chilled butter; pulse 6 times or until mixture resembles coarse meal. With processor on, slowly pour ice water through food chute, processing just until blended (do not allow dough to form a ball); remove from bowl. Gently press mixture into a 4-inch circle; wrap in plastic wrap. Chill 30 minutes.

2. Preheat oven to 350°.

3. Unwrap and place chilled dough on plastic wrap. Lightly sprinkle dough with flour; roll to a 10-inch circle. Fit dough, plastic wrap side up, into a 7-inch pie plate coated with cooking spray and parchment paper. Remove remaining plastic wrap. Fold edges under, and flute.
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4. To prepare filling, place 3 tablespoons butter and chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at HIGH 30 seconds or until butter and chocolate melt, stirring well to combine. Fold the Nutella into the chocolate mixture. Place vanilla and egg whites in a bowl; beat with a mixer at medium speed until foamy. Gradually add 1 cup sugar; beat until soft peaks form (about 2 minutes). Gently fold melted chocolate mixture into egg white mixture. Gently fold in the Chobani Greek Yogurt.
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5. Lightly spoon the 1 cup flour and 1/3 cup Dutch process cocoa into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Sift the flour, cocoa, baking powder, and dash of salt in a small bowl. Fold flour mixture into egg white mixture. Pour mixture into prepared crust. Bake at 350° for 40 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean (because the topping becomes so hard, it is difficult inserting a toothpick into the top to see if it is done. I baked mine for about 40-42 minutes). Cool on a wire rack.
Cooking Light recipe with my adaptations (Chobani yogurt, more chocolate, butter, and NUTELLA!)
I hope you love this Decadent Brownie Yogurt Pie as much as we did! It was so much fun coming up with a recipe to share with my lovely readers and Chobani! Thank you Lindsey for thinking of me!
If you follow my blog, you know we just were in New York City for three days. Three AMAZING days! There was snow in many places. It was gorgeous and we really enjoyed ourselves with some great food! The kids were so excited to see all the taxi cabs and all the enourmous buildings. My son told me he wants to stay in NYC. Except when we reminded him of his “girlfriend” Alexis back home waiting for him in preschool. He quickly changed his mind. Winking smile
I had been tweeting back and forth with Ken from Hungry Rabbit NYC and Jackie. Jackie sings. Jackie is a chef. Jackie makes INCREDIBLE chocolates. Ken is such a talented baker. Each blog post is thoughtful with amazing photos. I was brimming with excitement to finally meet them in NYC! We had been discussing maybe meeting up for a lunch. We finally chose the day and the place. We met this past Tuesday at Momofuku Noodle Bar. It was a fabulous meal. We shared different noodle bowls and pork steamed buns. Ahhh…the pork steamed buns! Even the kids LOVED those. I was so happy to finally meet people that I have been communicating with the last few months. They were both just adorable and lovely. We shared stories of our lives. I really enjoyed hearing about their lives in NYC.

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Look at all those noodles! Jackie took this photo! My head is spinning again thinking of the flavors!

We then meandered over to Taralucci e Vino for some sweets, espresso, and hot tea and to chat some more. It was if we all knew each other for a long time. We all connected and I feel thankful to have met these wonderful friends in person.
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It’s a tiny little place owned by Italians. My daughter and Ken chose the desserts. She told me they chose, “mostly chocolate”. The desserts were very good and it was the perfect ending to a wonderful afternoon with our new friends. It was so nice that they took time from their day to show us some of their favorite food places. Thank you Jackie and Ken for an incredible afternoon!

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I have so many photos to share from our trip. We spent an afternoon in Eataly! Oh my goodness! I could move there! Before Eataly, we spent a couple of hours in Central Park. I have never seen any thing as magical. All the trees bare from winter’s harsh changes. The ground blanketed in thick, white snow. DSCN4971
The park was so peaceful. Except for the occasional sound of the hooves from the horse-drawn carriages passing by.
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We also heard scattered throughout the park the musicians doing what they love. When we walked by this gentleman he was playing, “My Funny Valentine”.
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I have seen so many movies with scenes in Central Park. I felt like I was the part of a movie. A movie where life is good and sweet. The scene was breathtaking. Beautiful snow that my children had never seen before. Snow that I hadn’t seen since my college days in Ohio. That bone chilling cold that takes your breath away. I am so used to tropical heat and balmy days even in the winter time. As the kids were laughing and running in front of me with my husband, I walked slowly. I took my time and enjoyed the views. I watched the couples jogging by. The dogs running freely without any sweaters on. Why do Florida dog owners put sweaters on their dogs and in NYC they don’t?
My senses were overloaded with different memories of walking through the snow. At that moment, one of the memories that stood out most prominently was of me being a student and walking along the campus of Kent State University in Ohio with my friends in the winter time. I was living in the Pre-Med/Pre-Law dormitories. I was not a Pre-Med or Pre-Law student. Goodness, it did sort of improve my dating life when someone would ask where they should meet me and I would say, “Van Campen.” And they would respond, “You live at Van Campen?” And I would humbly say, “Um, why yes. I do.” Lord knows how I got assigned there. I was studying International Business. They assumed I was Pre-Med or Pre-Law.  They didn’t need to know that. 
Here I am at Kent State in Ohio with some of my friends that were not my neighbors at Van Campen Hall. Hair that is way too blonde. Very attractive plaid baggy shirt. Really poofy bangs. (My hubby loves to crack up at these photos of me and my poofy hair!lol) While my dorm friends would be studying hard, I would be working on my social skills. Winking smile

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And me in the middle of Central Park on this past Monday. Florida girl all bundled up. That is a faux-far scarf my sister-in-law loaned me so don’t get your panties in a bundle! It does look real pretty in photos though. Why wear real fur? Thank goodness she gave me some warm things to borrow for those three very cold days.
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Thank you for stopping by today! I love your comments! They make me smile really, really big! They do!!  I hope you enjoy this Decadent Brownie Yogurt Pie recipe and some photos of our recent trip to New York City. I promise to post the photos of Eataly this weekend. It was incredible! Hope you are staying warm if you are in all the snow that recently fell. It is going to be chilly here tonight too in South Florida.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  2. Cookin' Canuck says

    It looks as though you had a wonderful trip to NYC. I lived there for a couple of years and can't wait to go back again someday to explore my favorite haunts.

    This brown yogurt pie looks so most and sounds so decadent without being crazily unhealthy.

    Reply

  5. BakingWithoutABox says

    Oh my lord. Mississippi Mud Pie. That I can eat and not feel like a sloth. I could just kiss you Lora darlin'!!! That's divine.

    Love those New York pics. Looks like so much fun with friends. Cold, but way fun!

    Reply

  8. foodwanderings says

    Love this post you account of your trip to NYC. Your pic w/Diva & Wabbit!! I also love LOVE the brownie yogurt pie. I bet S will love it, I better hurry and make it, he is leaving Sunday!! Great jon aas always Lora!! Shulie

    Reply

  9. Trish says

    It looks like you had a nice time in NYC. Hope it wasn't too much snow for you. Love the pics of Central Park. Yum…the brownie yogurt pie sounds so moist and very different…love Greek-style yogurt. I can only be delish!

    Reply

  10. Anonymous says

    can i substitute the vegetable shortening with the same amout of butter? Will it affect the taste? thks for this yummy looking recipe. Ruth

    Reply

  11. Bridgett says

    First of all, the brownie pie looks absolutely decadent and I could easily devour a slice right now, but your New York pics of central park caught my eye. Stunning! I am loving the pic of you and your friends with the poofy hair…that is just too cute.

    Reply

  13. Lizzy says

    Oh, gosh, now I just have to make this! Loved seeing all your photos, but the chocolate ones will stay etched in my brain till I bake my own brownie pie 🙂

    Reply

  16. Annie says

    I just love all of these yogurt recipes I've been seeing lately! This pie is just lovely and decadent looking. Yay, I can get my chocolate fix without completely ruining my diet! Bookmarked and thank you!

    Reply

  17. Pretend Chef says

    I am so happy to hear that you really enjoyed yourself. I could only imagine the sights and food you took in. I would one day love to make it to NYC but I don't think my guy would enjoy himself there. I too am sold on it from the movies and will one day take my son there to experience it just once. That pie… or brownie I prefer… sounds so delicious! Light?!? Even better!

    Reply

  20. Anonymous says

    Oooh, honey. This looks incredible! Plus, you get extra points for Nutella. I'm ever so slightly addicted to the stuff… yum! 🙂

    Reply

  21. Chef Dennis says

    Hi Lora

    you just had too much fun!!! I can't believe you were so close and I missed seeing you….sigh
    Your brownie pie is amazing, and I do love yogurt for not just baking but in my sauces not too.
    I am going to have to make that decadent delicious brownie pie!
    Cheers
    Dennis

    Reply

  24. Anonymous says

    This looks amazing and you're right… def perfect for Valentine's Day! I love that you used the Chobani yogurt and Nutella! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

  25. Rachel says

    I love Chobani Greek yogurt and I'm happy to bake with it any time! Your brownie pie looks delicious. Yogurt is the perfect lightening addition to anything brownie related.

    Reply

  26. Evan @swEEts says

    It looks like you had such a lovely trip! How fun to meet up with some other blogger friends 🙂 This pie looks sinful Lora.. I think I would eat the entire thing! Delicious!!

    Reply

  27. Anonymous says

    I love hearing about people meeting in "real life". I'm so glad you got to all meet up and spend an afternoon of eating rather than just tweeting about it!
    Glad you had fun and stayed warm-ish 🙂

    Reply

  30. Lindsey @ Gingerbread Bagels says

    I am so impressed with the recipe you came up with! It looks AMAZING and insanely delicious. What a great idea to make a lighter version, LOVE it.
    I would love to eat the whole thing, seriously. Oh my word. Mmmmm

    I'm so happy to hear you had a wonderful time in New York! Thanks for sharing the photos too. 🙂

    Reply

  31. Steph says

    Please come be my neighbor so that I can take all these sweets away from you 🙂 I love that this is a "lighter" verison since I'll be having half of the pie all for myself!

    Reply

  34. Cakewhiz says

    It looks like you had a lot of fun 🙂

    I would have been very skeptical to add yoghurt into a brownie recipe but that picture of your brownie looks so tasty that i just want to get my hands on some greek yoghur right away…lol

    Reply

  36. sara @ CaffeIna says

    So jealous you got to NY! So jealous you got to hang out with Ken (miss you Ken!) and so so so jealous you got to eat/give away this pie and I did not get a piece. Chocolate, nutella and greek yogurt? Oh my! I could live daily on this!

    Reply

  37. RJ Flamingo says

    Sounds like you had a blast and I'm completely jealous that you got to spend time with Ken! :-))

    That recipe sounds incredible, and as it happens, I believe I have all the ingredients in the house, too. Mmm…

    Reply

  39. Monet says

    You are beautiful! I loved seeing that picture of you with all that gorgeous hair! You were a stunner (and you still are!) Speaking of stunning…your brownie pie looks AMAZING. Ryan and I both want a slice right now. I made him take a peek and he said, "Wow!". Your pictures of NYC were so fun, and I'm glad that you were able to make some blogger connections. Now you just need to come to Austin 🙂

    Reply

  40. claire says

    looks like you had a ball!

    i am hoping to get up to NYC soon On another note, you look the exact same in the face! I immmediately knew it was you!

    Reply

  44. Barbara | VinoLuciStyle says

    What a lovely post…so much to absorb. Meeting Ken (sob, jealous), NYC when it's so beautiful, Chobani AND chocolate!

    I won a case of Chobani yogurt so while under no contractual obligation (!) I'm excited about posting the breakfast for dinner dish I just put together. I love their yogurt…hard to imagine it's 0% fat!

    Your decadent pie looks so yummy, I'm with RJ…thinking I have everything and thinking I need to scoot into the kitchen!

    Reply

  45. Jackie Gordon Singing Chef says

    Howdy Lora! So awesome to lunch and dessert with you and your family! I'm late actually getting to this. I have been doing home renovations and ordered is almost completely restores. I too am thrilled to meet my twitter friends in real life! Thanks so much for taking time during your short visit to hang out with Ken and I! I will see you in Florida!XXXOOOJAX

    P.S. Pie looks delish. Love the story of your hubby and the Chobani 🙂

    Reply

  46. Chelsea @ Sprinkles of Parsley says

    LOVE your brownie yogurt pie! I can eat chocolate for breakfast, lunch, and dinner- this is right up my alley!

    I think I was in NYC the same time you were! It was soooo cold, but beautiful with all of the snow everywhere. NYC is an amazing city- so much to see!

    Reply

  48. Carolyn says

    Glad you had a good time in NYC and met up with some fellow foodies!!! The brownie pie looks ah-mazing, I think the cracked top is just as it should be, all crusty, chocolatey goodness!

    Reply

  49. Sue says

    I love this post! What a treat to read…you're a crack up! Love the story about your dorm placement:) This brownie pie looks fantastic! I WILL make it! Thanks Lora!

    Reply

  50. Lana says

    He, he, I have photos like that haunt me from the past:)
    The combination of chocolate, Greek yogurt and Nutella cannot go wrong. Great recipe!
    My mother also taught me never to return an empty plate that someone brought the food on, and I dutifully obey.
    I am glad you had fun and hope that you are all better!
    Arrivederci!

    Reply

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