Chocolate Pudding

Spiced Chocolate Pudding with Whipped Cream

I made a recipe I found at http://www.evilshenanigans.com/2009/03/spiced-dark-chocolate-pudding/

The only changes I made were that when I made fresh whipped cream I added in lemon zest.  This recipe would work well as a basic pudding recipe without the spices as well.

Serves 4

1.  In a saucepan, heat 1 cup of the milk with the a cinnamon stick, 2 lightly crushed cardamom pods, 1 clove, 1 1/2 t vanilla extract, and 1/4 t salt.  Bring to a simmer then shut the heat off, cover, and let steep for 15 minutes.  Then remove the cinnamon stick, cardamom pod, and clove from the milk.

2.  Whisk well 1 more cup of milk, 2/3 c sugar, 1/4 c cocoa, and 3 tbs corn starch.  Stir constantly over medium-low heat until it begins to thicken, 5+ minutes.

3.  Pour a ladle of the chocolate mixture into a bowl with a beaten egg and whisk well together.  Then return the egg mixture into the main mixture and cook over medium low heat until it begins to boil.

4.  Remove from heat.  Stir in 2 tbs butter and 3 oz chopped bittersweet/extradark chocolate.

5.  Pour into containers and chill for 2 hours.

6.  Top with whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon.