Rich chocolate pudding

So remember how we were just talking about things you usually buy that are actually much better homemade? Top of that list for me is pudding. Sure, you can pick up a box of the "just add milk" variety at any grocery store -- but why would you, when you can make it yourself in minutes with ingredients you most likely have already in your pantry and fridge?

Enjoy!

Rich chocolate pudding

Adapted from this recipe by Tyler Florence

Serves 6

2 cups whole milk

1/2 cup sugar

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/4 cup cornstarch

1 large pinch instant espresso powder

1/4 tsp. salt

3 large egg yolks

2 tsp. vanilla extract

1/3 cup chocolate chips

1. Whisk 1 1/2 cups milk, sugar and cocoa in a saucepan. Place over medium heat and bring to a simmer.

2. In a bowl, whisk together remaining 1/2 cup milk, cornstarch, espresso, salt, yolks and and vanilla. Whisking constantly, slowly pour hot milk mixture into yolk mixture. Transfer mixture back to saucepan and cook, whisking constantly, until pudding comes to a boil. Reduce heat to low and cook, whisking, 3 minutes longer, until thick.

3. Place chocolate chips into a bowl. Pour pudding through a fine-mesh sieve into bowl with chocolate chips and whisk until smooth. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing wrap directly onto the surface of the pudding to keep a skin from forming. Refrigerate until cold.

Notes:

• Don't press the plastic onto the pudding if you like the skin that forms without it.
• I strain the pudding, because I'm OCD and that's how I roll. But don't bother if you know you've whisked well and you don't mind the odd lump or two.
• Add more espresso powder if you like a stronger mocha flavor -- dissolve it in the vanilla.

Comments

[Rachel (S[d]OC)]

I used to make homemade chocolate pudding all of the time and I haven't done it in years unless it was for some kind of pie or pastry. I really should. It's not hard and it's always delicious.

Loved your previous recipe too. I love bread pudding. Too bad about the weather though, no? The difference between the cold and rain and wind today and the beautiful day we had just a week ago is astounding. It feels as if it must have been last year!

[Faith]

Oh my goodness, you are so right about homemade pudding being so much better than store-bought! Your recipe sounds wonderful and I'm definitely in the mood for chocolate pudding now! ;)

[Lot-O-Choc]

Mmm yes I have to agree homemade chocolate pudding is so much better than the store bought type! Yours looks so rich & delicious, I would love to tuck into this!

[Eliana]

And to boot - this looks and sounds waaaay better than anything you can buy in the store. Love it.

[Megan]

I'm ashamed to admit that I've never made homemade pudding--but you're right, there's no excuse! I'm going to try this next time I'm in the mood for puddin'!

[Avanika (Yumsilicious Bakes)]

I so agree.. homemade is always better. The puddings look delicious!