Dad, this one's for you.

Happy Father's day to all the papas out there but especially to my dad, Ken. My dad may not always have a lot to say though he can make a story last for hours. I think it's genetic. While I do hope I may have skipped the gene of never-ending stories (sorry dad), I truthfully wish that I've inherited his patience, his ability to give the best bear hugs, and most of all his unconditional love for our family. No matter how many mistakes I've made (or my brother has made) or how many hopeless ambitions I've latched on to my dad has been supportive and loving. I hope you're lucky enough to have a dad as great as mine.

My dad is my peanut butter partner in crime. What is it with dad's and peanut butter? They just go together. Alright, maybe it's just my dad but as far back as I can remember my dad has always been associated with that magical concoction. From stealing all my Reese's in my halloween candy to "check them for poison" to spreading tablespoons of peanut butter onto a stack of pancakes on Sunday morning, my dad has inexplicably passed down his tastebuds to me.

I had dreams of peanut butter clouds and Oreo angels last night and I blame this pie. And you dad. I blame you.

This pie does not involve any baking and in fact only takes a matter of minutes to prepare. It was partially inspired by my dad's mom, my grandma Carol, who has an amazing ability to make something delicious with few ingredients and a tub of cool whip. One day I'll share her cheesecake recipe and you'll have a better life. I swear.

Getting back to this pie; it's everything you hoped for in the chocolate and peanut butter partnership. Rich, creamy, smooth, nutty and sweet all whipped up into a slice of bliss. I mean Oreo's are fantastic on their own but something extraordinary happens when you crush them up and make a crust. An added plus? You get to eat all the Oreo filling.

Fill up that crunchy chocolate crust with velvety cream cheese, cool whip, powdered sugar and peanut butter and you've got a match made in heaven. You don't even have to turn on the oven folks. Personally, I couldn't resist topping this freezer pie pie off with a little chocolate ganaché but that's up to you. My dad? He deserves the good stuff.

Peanut Butter Pie

Oreo Crust:

1/2 pacaage Oreo cookies, filling removed
1/4 cup butter, melted

Crush Oreos in a food processor until fine. Add in melted butter and quickly process until crumbs are moist. use the back of a measuring cup to press the crust into the pan and form desired shape.

Peanut Butter Filling:

16 oz jar of smooth peanut butter
12 oz cream cheese
1 1/2 cup confectioners sugar
8 oz cool whip

Whip together peanut butter and cream cheese in stand mixer until well combined. Gradually blend in confectioners sugar being carefully to mix at a high speed (it will get everywhere). Lastly, whip in cool whip, scraping down sides as necessary. Spoon into Oreo crust and style as desired. Chocolate ganaché is optional. Freeze for 3 hours before serving.