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1
To make the crust: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. In a food processor, pulse wafers until finely ground. Add 5 tablespoons of butter, 3 tablespoons sugar, and salt, and process until well combined. Press mixture firmly into bottom and up sides of a 9-inch pie plate. Bake until crust is firm, about 10 minutes. Let cool completely on a wire rack. Crust can be stored up to 1 day.
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2
To make the filling: Whisk together granulated 3/4 cup sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a medium saucepan. Whisk in milk and 2 T. espresso powder, and cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until bubbling and thick, about 7 minutes (about 2 minutes after it comes to a boil).
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3
Whisk eggs in a medium bowl until combined. Whisk in milk mixture in a slow, steady stream until completely incorporated. Return mixture to saucepan, and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly just until it returns to a boil, 1 to 2 minutes.
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4
Strain through a fine sieve into a large bowl, and stir in coffee liqueur and vanilla. Add butter, 1 T. at a time, whisking until each piece melts before adding the next one. Let custard cool, whisking occasionally, about 10 minutes.
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5
Pour custard into baked and cooled crust. Press plastic wrap directly on surface of custard (this will prevent it from forming a skin). Refrigerate until filling is firm, overnight is best.
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6
Roughly chop espresso beans. Reserve 1 T. larger pieces for garnish.
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7
In a chilled bowl, beat cream, confectioners' sugar, and remaining 1 teaspoons espresso powder until stiff peaks form. Fold small espresso bean pieces into whipped cream mixture, and spread over pie. Sprinkle with reserved espresso-bean pieces, and serve immediately.
