Triple Chocolate Ice Cream Pizza

Are you looking for a cool dessert for your next party? If so, try a triple chocolate ice cream pizza - chocolate brownie, chocolate ice cream with chocolate chips. It is as delicious to eat as it is fun to make. Your guests will go wild over the idea of a brownie-crusted ice cream pizza. Read on for the complete recipe and full directions.

1/2 cup pecan pieces, if desired
Non-stick cooking spray
1/4 cup butter
3 ounces of coarsely chopped unsweetened chocolate
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 gallon chocolate ice cream - any flavor will do, pick your favorite
1/4 cup miniature chocolate chips
Additional decorative candies, if desired - M&Ms, gum drops, miniature marshmallows etc.
Whipped cream, if desired

Step One: Use a large round pizza pan with a rim on it to contain the brownie during the baking process or a large cookie sheet for this recipe. Line the pan with aluminum foil. Spray foil with non-stick baking spray and set aside. Finely chop the pecans and set them aside.

Step Two: Melt the butter and chocolate in a double boiler or in a microwave at half power, stirring every 30 seconds, stirring until smooth. Set aside to cool.

Step Three: Beat the sugar and eggs on high speed in a large bowl for about 5 minutes. Blend in the melted chocolate and vanilla extract until smooth. Stir in the pecans, if desired. Mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add them to the chocolate mixture and stir until evenly blended. Let the dough sit for 2 to 3 minutes.

Step Four: Scrape the dough into the center of the buttered foil. Spread the dough into a more or less level circle 12 inches in diameter. Refrigerate for 10 minutes while you heat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Step Five: Bake the crust on the center oven rack for 13 minutes. Transfer it to a cooling rack and cool it until it is just warm to the touch. Invert the crust onto a second pizza pan, then gently peel off the foil. Invert it again onto another pizza pan or a large serving tray and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step Six: Smooth a layer of slightly softened ice cream 1/2 to 1-inch thick evenly over the crust. (You may want to affix a foil collar around the brownie before spreading the ice cream. The foil collar will help to contain the ice cream until the pizza is ready to serve.) Sprinkle with miniature chocolate chips. Add additional decorative candies. Transfer the pizza to the freezer until you are ready to slice and serve. Garnish each slice with whipped cream, if desired.