Velva's Chocolate Chip Dessert

While in Kansas, I was reminded of my mother's great refrigerator dessert.  Nephew Gary had made a pan of Velva's chocolate chip dessert for his mom on Mother's Day.  Because I arrived late in the evening of that same day, there was a serving or two left for me.  I kept thinking about it when I got home, so made a pan of my own.  It really is a perfect summertime dessert, no baking required nor the hot oven.  Now that I look at my pictures I realize that this dessert is a bit like glorified s'mores!

Soften marshmallows in milk over low heat, then add chocolate chips and continue stirring until marshmallows and chips are melted.  Set aside and cool until slightly congealed.

Place graham crackers in a ziploc baggie and crush with a rolling pin.  Place a generous layer of crumbs in the bottom of a 9 x 9 inch pan..

Whip cream in a clean glass bowl just until peaks form not butter.

Gently fold whipped cream and walnuts into cooled chocolate mixture.  Pour carefully over graham cracker layer.

Sprinkle leftover cracker crumbs over the top then place in refrigerator for several hours to firm things up.  Mom would make this for us on special occasions.  My guess is that she found it in a magazine sometime in the early 60's or late 50's.  I do remember having it when we still lived on the farm in Idaho.  Maybe she first served it when it was her turn to have the ladies club at our home.  Those club meetings also initiated a whole house cleaning.  Miss you Mom!

Chocolate Chip Dessert
recipe of Velva Ostler
of Sugar City, Idaho

32 large marshmallows
1/2 cup milk
1 six ounce package chocolate chips
1 cup heavy cream, whipped
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup of graham cracker crumbs

Soften marshmallows in milk over low heat. Add chocolate chips and stir until all is melted.  Remove from heat and let cool until mixture congeals.  Fold in whipped cream and walnuts.  Spread 1 cup of cracker crumbs in bottom of a 9 x 9 inch pan.  Pour chocolate mixture into pan and cover with the remaining crumbs.  Chill several hours or overnight.  Serve with additional whipped cream and garnish with maraschino cherries if desired.

Serves 6 - 8