chocolate pudding

This isn't your instant-out-of-the-box chocolate pudding, but better!!! Tastier!!! And if you dare to switch it up.....Vegan! Just substituting soy milk for the heavy cream and whole milk and omitting the butter at the end, you can turn this guilty pleasure into something somewhat healthy. But let's stick to the full-fat, whole goodness of dairy and don't cut any corners on this one. You're eating homemade chocolate pudding! And why not gild the lily and top it off with whipped cream and shaved chocolate.......
Go on.....don't be shy.....

Chocolate Pudding
makes 6 - 8 servings


6 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1 1/2 tablespoons cocoa powder ***Use any quality of cocoa powder. I sometimes use Valrhona, Hersheys, Droste, or whatever cocoa powder I have in my pantry***
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 1/4 cup heavy cream ***or soy milk if you're going vegan here***
1 1/4 cup whole milk ***again more soy for vegan***
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
6 ounces dark chocolate (chopped or chips) ***I use bittersweet 60% or more chocolate. Use dark chocolate if you want to keep it vegan. Do not use semi-sweet chocolate. Milk chocolate is OK***
1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter 


1 cup of cream - whipped to soft peaks
chocolate candy bar - shaved for garnish ***Use a potato peeler to shave mini curls of chocolate***


In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, cocoa powder, salt, 1 1/4 cup cream and 1 1/4 cup milk. Place over medium heat and whisk constantly until it comes to a boil, 4 - 5 minutes. 


Remove from heat and add chocolate. Stir until all the chocolate is melted. Add butter and whisk in. Pudding should be smooth and shiny. ***If you've got a few lumps, pour through a strainer***


Divide evenly into the vessels of your choice. Serve immediately or if you like your pudding cold, place plastic wrap directly onto pudding and place them into your refrigerator. 


Garnish with whipped cream and shaved chocolate.




***I have a fond memory from my early childhood days @ "I" Corner Pre-School in Chula Vista, CA where we once used chocolate pudding as finger paint. How fun is that??? Although I wouldn't recommend using this chocolate pudding as finger paint, but I would not be opposed to using your finger to wipe out every last bit from your bowl***