Email to Cat      

Velvety Chocolate Pudding

Source of Recipe

From "Mad Hungry: Feeding Men and Boys" by Lucinda Quinn


Recipe Introduction

"Chocolate mousse, molten chocolate cake, and flourless chocolate cake all deliver the same gooey chocolaty gratification that men — and women! — crave. But for home cooks with little time, few desserts supply the same ease and satisfaction as creamy chocolate pudding. Just spoon it into cups or bowls and serve. This recipe is also a great basis for chocolate cream pie — make your favorite crust, spoon in the pudding, chill. Serve garnished with whipped cream and chocolate shavings."

List of Ingredients

â—¦ 3 ½ tablespoons all-purpose flour
â—¦ 3 tablespoons best-quality cocoa powder
â—¦ 1 cup sugar
â—¦ Hefty pinch of coarse salt
â—¦ 1 ½ cups milk
â—¦ 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
â—¦ 1 large egg, well beaten
â—¦ 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
â—¦ Whipped cream, for garnishing (optional)


Recipe

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt. Press through a sieve into a medium saucepan to eliminate any lumps. Whisk in the milk.

Over medium heat, stir the mixture until thickened, about 2 ½ minutes. Be sure to get the spoon around the edges of the pan as the mixture thickens. Whisk if needed to combine well. Stir in the butter.

Whisk 1 tablespoon of the hot chocolate mixture into the beaten egg and return to the pudding in the pan. Stir in the vanilla and cook to completely thicken, 2 to 3 more minutes. Strain through a sieve and pour the pudding into four to six 6-ounce pudding cups. Serve warm, or cool first and chill until serving. Press plastic wrap directly on the surface of the pudding to prevent it from forming a skin (unless you like it!). Top with a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.

Makes 2 cups, or enough for 1 (8-inch) pie;
Serves 4 to 6