Cinnamon Chocolate Pie

1 - 9" baked pie shell
2 eggs, separated
1/2 t. vinegar
1/4 t. salt
1/2 c. sugar
1 - 6 ounce package of semi-sweet chocolate chips (I use Ghirardelli or other high-quality chocolate)
1/4 c. water
2 c. heavy (whipping) cream
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 t. cinnamon

Beat together egg whites, vinegar and salt until very stiff, but not dry. Gradually add sugar and beat until very stiff. Spread meringue over bottom and up sides of baked pie shell. Bake in 325 oven for 15 to 18 minutes, until lightly browned. Melt chocolate chips over hot, but not boiling, water. Beat together the egg yolks and water. Blend into melted chocolate. Spread 3 tablespoons of this mixture over the (cooled) meringue. Chill remainder until thick. Beat cream, sugar and cinnamon till very thick. Spread half over chocolate layer. Mix remainder with chilled chocolate mixture. Pile on top of pie. Chill for at least 4 hours, then top with chocolate sprinkles or shavings.

This pie is particularly pretty if each layer is slightly visible at the edge of the pie shell. This is fabulous -- there's never any left!

AUTHOR: blondie2