Frozen Mud Pie

1 ½ cups crushed cream-filled chocolate sandwich cookies (about 15)
1 ½ teaspoons sugar, optional
¼ cup butter, melted
2 pints chocolate chip, vanilla or coffee ice cream (your preference)
¼ cup chocolate syrup, divided
Additional cream-filled chocolate sandwich cookies for garnish, optional

1. In a bowl, combine cookie crumbs and sugar. Stir in ¼ cup melted butter
2. Press onto the bottom and up the sides of an ungreased 9-in. pie plate. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
3. Spoon 1 pint of ice cream into crust. Drizzle with half of the chocolate syrup; swirl with a knife.
4. Carefully top with remaining ice cream. Drizzle with remaining syrup; swirl with a knife. Cover and freeze until firm. Remove from the freezer 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
5. Garnish with whole Oreo cookies if desired.

Yield: 8 servings.

This recipe is an all-time favorite.  This version is adapted from an article in the August '99 issue of Taste of Home Magazine.