Chocolate Pudding

Cook Time: 15 min
Level: Easy
Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

* 2 cups whole milk
* 1/2 cup sugar
* 1/3 cup natural cocoa powder
* 4 teaspoons cornstarch
* 3 large egg yolks
* 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
* 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
* 3/4 cup whipping cream

Directions

Put 1 1/2 cups of the milk, the sugar, and the cocoa in a nonreactive
saucepan. Bring to a simmer, over medium-high heat. Remove from the
heat.

Meanwhile, whisk the remaining 1/2 cup of the milk, cornstarch, salt,
egg yolks, and vanilla in a bowl. Gradually whisk the hot milk into
the egg mixture. Return to the saucepan and cook over medium-high heat
whisking constantly, until the pudding comes to a full boil. Reduce
the heat to maintain a simmer, and continue whisking until thick,
about 2 or 3 minutes more.

Pour the pudding into 6 small cups. Cover with plastic wrap and
refrigerate for at least 4 hours or ideally overnight until set.

Just before serving pour the cream into a chilled bowl. Whip the cream
with a whisk or a hand held mixer, and continue beating until soft
peaks form. Take care not to over-beat the cream or it will be grainy.
Serve each pudding with a dollop of whipped cream on top.

Amaretto Chocolate Brownies with Walnuts

Cook Time: --
Level: --
Yield: 12 brownies

Ingredients

* 2 sticks unsalted butter, plus more for pan
* 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate chips
* 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* Pinch salt
* 4 large eggs
* 2 cups sugar
* 2 tablespoons amaretto liqueur
* 1 1/2 cups walnuts
* Powdered sugar, for garnish

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Line a 9 by 9 square baking pan with parchment paper, making sure
paper hangs over the edges. Grease paper with butter so the brownies
don't stick. Melt butter and chocolate over a double-boiler and stir
gently until smooth and shiny. Remove from the heat and cool slightly.

Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt into a mixing bowl and
set aside. Whisk together eggs, sugar and amaretto in a mixing bowl
until combined. Pour in chocolate mixture and continue to whisk until
combined. Gradually add flour mixture, then add walnuts and
incorporate with a wooden spoon. Transfer batter to baking pan and
bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until a cake tester comes out clean when
inserted into the middle of the pan. When done, invert onto a cutting
board, remove paper and cut into squares. Garnish with powdered sugar
and serve.