Blueberry Ice Cream Pie

I saw this recipe yesterday in a magazine and had to try it. It's really cool and perfect for an outdoor treat for a party.

ALMOND-BROWN SUGAR CRUST:

1/2 cups slivered almonds

2 tbsp. brown sugar

1/4 tsp. salt

3 tbsp. melted butter

Pulse almonds, brown sugar and salt in a food processor until they are coarsely ground. Transfer to a bowl and add the melted butter.

Press into a 9inch pie dish and bake on 350 for 8 to 12 minutes, until lightly golden brown. Allow to cool completely.

BLUEBERRY SAUCE:

3 c. blueberries

1/3 c. sugar

1 tsp. cornstarch

1/4 tsp. salt

1 tsp. grated lemon zest

2 tsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice

1/8 tsp. nutmeg

1 tbsp. water

Put all ingredients together in a pan. Cook and stir over medium heat until the blueberries begin to pop, give off juice, and come to a simmer. While simmering, gently stir for 1 additional minute until sauce is lightly thickened and cornstarch is well cooked. Refrigerate until COMPLETELY COOL! Otherwise you will end up with a blueberry milkshake instead.

After the blueberry sauce has cooled, spread softened vanilla ice cream in the bottom of the crust (you may want to just put your ice cream in the fridge for 30 minutes or so to soften). Then spread half of the blueberry sauce on top, then more ice cream on top of that. Cover with plastic wrap and re-freeze for 8 hours or overnight.

After it has frozen again, spread whipped cream on top. You can sprinkle fresh blueberries on top and serve with the remaining blueberry sauce that has been warmed.

Now that you have gone to this much work - - - - DO NOT CHEAT YOURSELF by using store bought cool whip!!! Whip fresh whipped topping yourself! Don't know how? It's SOOO easy!

WHIPPED TOPPING

1/2 pint whipping cream

1/2 tsp. vanilla

about 1/4 c. powdered sugar

Pour the whipping cream into a bowl and beat on medium to high for several minutes, until the whipping cream starts to thicken and makes peaks. (don't over-whip or you'll end up with butter!) Add the vanilla and powdered sugar. Whip all together and that's it!