It’s not possible to have a dinner without a chocolate dessert, at least not in our house. I knew Pauline was bringing the Pavlova with Passion Fruit, which was all well and good (and was it good!), but that left a gaping hole that needed filling. To the rescue I came with another of Gail Monaghan’s fabulous desserts in Lost Desserts, published by Rizzoli, which I’m giving away to some lucky random winner in the U.S. All you need to do is comment on this post and tell me what desserts on my blog (from either the Chocolate or Other Desserts section) appeal most to you. Comment by Wednesday, November 11 and I will announce the lucky winner on–yes!–Friday the 13th.
As for this pudding: I just loved the idea of making a mold rather than individual servings. It looks so majestic! (Plus, I could easily help myself to a double portion without conspicuously picking up two bowls full.) I have to say this is the best chocolate pudding I’ve ever had–as Gail says, it’s ”unususally rich and silky and refreshingly not too sweet.”
Good luck in the giveaway–I love my copy: It’s beautiful and the desserts, as you know, are divine!
Serves 6 to 8
7 T. unsalted butter
1 cup high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder
5 T. cornstarch
1 quart whole milk
1 cup sugar
1/4 t. salt
2 oz. best-quality bittersweet chocolate, chopped
1 1/2 t. vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups very cold heavy cream whipped together with 3 T. sugar and 1/2 t. vanilla extract, for garnish
1/4 cup shaved milk or dark chocolate, for garnish
Melt the butter in a medium saucepan.
Meanwhile, place the cocoa powder, cornstarch, milk, sugar, and salt in a blender and blend for 1 minute.
Add the cocoa mixture to the melted butter, bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 2 minutes, stirring constantly with a wire shisk (briskly to ensure there are no lumps). Remove from the heat and stir in the choppped chocolate. Continue to whisk another minute to cool the mixture a bit, then whisk in the vanilla. Rinse a 5- to 6-cup mold (or among 6 to 8 smaller molds/ramekins) with cold water. Pour in the pudding mixture, smooth with a spatula, lay a sheet of plastic wrap over the surface, and refrigerate until cold (at least 6 hours and up to several days).
Run a sharp knife around the pudding and unmold it onto a serving plate. If you have difficulty with this, dip the mold very briefly in hot water or wrap it in a kitchen towel that has been dipped in hot water.
Dollop or use a pastry bag to pipe whipped cream on top of the pudding and then top with chocolate shavings.
Oh dear…chocolate pudding…be still my heart! And with bittersweet chocolate too!
By: Barbara on November 2, 2009
at 9:57 am
You can make this dessert for me anytime. Hmmmm. My favorite dessert from that fine crop–I’m going to go with the raspberry crumble.
By: Nancy Mehagian on November 2, 2009
at 12:41 pm
This appeals to me because it’s in a mold and it looks so elegant and because it’s blanketed in whipped cream but your favorite chocolate cake is on my list to make as well!
Thanks for the giveaway!
By: Monica H on November 2, 2009
at 1:31 pm
Gosh, I’d have to say that all the desserts you have made from Gail’s book are incredible. I don’t think I could decide between chocolate and lemon! They all look amazing!
By: Phoo-D on November 2, 2009
at 2:21 pm
This was the best choc pudding I had ever tasted!! Fantastic recipe! I think the ring presentation makes it extra special.
This one is my favorite so far.
By: Pauline on November 2, 2009
at 2:48 pm
This chocolate pudding looks terrific! Would love to have a little with my tea right now!
By: Natasha - 5 Star Foodie on November 2, 2009
at 6:57 pm
Oh my word, YES, can’t be without chocolate!
By: noble pig on November 2, 2009
at 7:39 pm
This chocolate pudding looks marvelous!
By: Christine@ FRESH LOCAL on November 2, 2009
at 7:40 pm
You had me when you posted your Chocolate S’mores… I love S’MORES!
By: Fallon on November 2, 2009
at 10:44 pm
What a scrumptious pudding – love it molded – it’s almost like a cream pie. I love the double chocolate peanut butter pie and the raspberry crumble!
By: Reeni on November 3, 2009
at 7:28 am
Another great dessert FOUND! I like desserts like this because it is always a surprise to see what is on the inside.
By: RobinSue on November 3, 2009
at 9:26 am
Oh my, that looks awesome. I love chocolate pudding, but I haven’t made it in years.
By: Bob on November 3, 2009
at 10:55 am
REAL homemade pudding? Oh, that sounds and looks so good.
By: TheKitchenWitch on November 3, 2009
at 1:11 pm
This dessert look absolutely georgeous and delicious!!! so nice . Gloria
By: Gloria on November 3, 2009
at 1:54 pm
Wow, what a nice chocolate pudding…so well presented
By: Juliana on November 3, 2009
at 2:45 pm
I LOVE Lemon Bars, and your recipe for Meyer Lemon Bars looks so yummy and rich. That is my favorite recipe in your collection.
By: Amy L on November 3, 2009
at 5:44 pm
I absolutely love that pudding, especially the fact that you use cocoa powder too. I am a great believer in cocoa powder’s intense chocolate punch!
By: tasteofbeirut on November 3, 2009
at 7:37 pm
That’s my all time favorite dessert!
And chocolate dream pie too. I’ve only had it at get togethers, but thanks for the recipe, now I can make it.
By: Jenn@slim-shoppin on November 4, 2009
at 10:55 am
Wow, that’s impressive! Who doesn’t love a chocolate mousse with whipped cream? I would have no hesitation eating a double portion, even if it means picking up two separate bowls!
By: Palidor on November 4, 2009
at 11:38 am
Oops, I meant to type ‘pudding,’ not mousse. It helps to proofread your comments!
By: Palidor on November 4, 2009
at 11:39 am
I said OMG that looks so good out looud when I saw this picture.
One of your recipes that appeals to me most is the blueberry pie you can make in 5 minutes. I love quick, easy, tasty recipes. Thanks for the chance to win.
By: donna on November 4, 2009
at 3:27 pm
I love the looks of the “one-minute” blueberry tart, so I’ll pick that. Blueberries are one of the healthiest fruits you can eat, so eating that wouldn’t be like eating a dessert at all, it’d be eating health food! The blueberries definitely cancel out all that sugar & butter! Yum!
Thanks!
By: Morgan on November 5, 2009
at 10:15 am