CHOCOLATE SILK PIE

FOR THE CRUST
1 ½ cups ground chocolate wafers(from about 30 cookies)
⅓ cup sugar
7 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
FOR THE FILLING
¾ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 ¼ cups sugar
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon brandy (optional)
4 ounces unsweetened chocolate, melted
3 eggs

Make the crust: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Combine the chocolate crumbs and sugar in a bowl. Add the butter and stir until well mixed. Reserve 1/2 cup of the mixture, then press the rest into a 9-inch pie plate, pressing it evenly over the bottom and up the sides of the plate. Bake for 8 minutes. Set aside to cool.
Make the filling: Using an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Mix in the salt, vanilla and brandy, if using. Add the chocolate and mix well. Add the eggs, 1 at a time, mixing well after each addition.