Ultimate Mud Pie

INGREDIENTS

• 3 cups half-and-half
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus more for the pie pan
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups chocolate wafer cookie crumbs
• 2 tablespoons chocolate wafer crumbs, for garnish
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 large egg yolks
• 2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 5 ounces high-quality bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream