The Pioneer Womans Chocolate Pudding Food

HOW TO MAKE CHOCOLATE PUDDING

Steps:

• In a medium bowl, whisk the egg yolks for about 60 seconds until light yellow and increased in volume, then whisk in the cornstarch and about 1/4 cup of the milk. Once smooth and incorporated, set aside.Place the sugar, cocoa, salt, and remaining milk in a saucepan, and bring to a scald over medium-high heat, which is when the liquid is about 180-190ºF. This is before the mixture comes to a boil, and in this stage you will see little bubbles start forming on the sides of the pan. Remove the pan from the heat and, while whisking constantly, dribble the hot cocoa into the egg cornstarch mixture very gradually. We are tempering so we don't scramble the eggs. Pour everything back into the saucepan and cook over medium high heat, whisking constantly, until the pudding comes to a full boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and continue whisking for a couple minutes until the pudding is thickened.Remove the pudding from the heat and stir in the chocolate or vanilla extract. Pour the pudding into a bowl and press plastic wrap directly on the surface of the pudding so a skin doesn't form. Refrigerate for an hour or two until chilled. Serve and enjoy!

CHOCOLATE MOUSSE

Steps:

• For the mousse: Melt the chocolate and butter in a double boiler. Remove and allow to cool a little.
• Add the cream to a large bowl and start to whip using a hand mixer. Slowly add the sugar and continue to whip until you have stiff peaks, 4 to 5 minutes.
• Place the egg yolks in a pitcher, add the vanilla and whisk together by hand.
• Temper the egg yolks by adding a little of the melted chocolate to them and whisking together. Pour the yolks into the bowl of melted chocolate and stir in gently.
• Fold three-fourths of the whipped cream into the chocolate, reserving the rest.
• Divide between 4 serving glasses.
• Gently fold the raspberry preserves into the reserved whipped cream until you achieve a swirled appearance. Spoon some of the swirled whipped cream on top of the mousse in each glass.
• Place the glasses into the fridge and chill for 1 hour. Remove from the fridge and decorate with Marbled Chocolate Curls before serving.
• Add the semi-sweet and white chocolate to separate small microwave-safe bowls or pitchers. Add 2 teaspoons of the coconut oil to each. Pop in the microwave together for 1 minute. Stir each until smooth, microwaving for another 10 to 15 seconds, if needed, to fully melt the chocolate.
• Lay a sheet pan on the counter upside down. Start by pouring the white chocolate in a zig-zag pattern over the underside of the cookie sheet; do not get too close to the edges. Repeat with the semi-sweet chocolate, making sure to fill the holes where there is no white chocolate. Using an offset spatula or knife, spread the chocolates in a very thin layer, then stick the sheet pan in the freezer for 2 to 3 minutes. This step is key!
• After a few minutes, check the chocolate by pressing it with your finger; it should leave only the slightest mark, but not an actual depression.
• Using a somewhat sharp-edged spatula, scrap the chocolate from the bottom of the pan. If the chocolate is the correct temperature, it should begin to curl. If the chocolate is breaking, it is too cold so let it sit for a few seconds to warm, then try again. If it gets too soft, stick it back in the freezer for a minute.
• Pretty soon you will have some pretty marbled chocolate curls. Use as a garnish immediately on chilled desserts or immediately transfer to a cold plate and place back in the freezer to harden. Store in an airtight container in the freezer until you need them. The curls are perfect for topping your favorite pies, cakes or elevating a simple fruit platter.

DECADENT CHOCOLATE POKE CAKE

Steps:

• For the cake: Spray a 9-by-13-inch cake pan with cooking spray.
• Bake the cake in the prepared pan according to the package instructions. Allow to cool slightly, then, using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the cake.
• Melt the chocolate chips in a medium microwave-safe bowl in the microwave in 20-second increments, stirring between each, or in a double boiler on the stove, until smooth. Add the condensed milk and milk, then stir to combine. Slowly pour the mixture over the cake, ensuring you hit every last inch. Allow the mixture to soak into the holes while you make the frosting.
• For the frosting: Combine the milk, pudding mix and cocoa powder in a bowl. Whisk the mixture until it thickens, 1 to 2 minutes. Gently fold in the whipped topping until combined well.
• Spread the frosting over the cake, then decorate with the cherries, if using. Enjoy.

DARK CHOCOLATE BROWNIE PUDDINGS

Steps:

• Coat the insides of four 6-ounce ramekins with baking spray and place them in a 9-by-13-inch casserole dish. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
• Add the eggs, sugar and vanilla bean paste to a bowl. With an electric mixer, beat the mixture until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Sift in the cocoa and flour and fold in with a rubber spatula until just combined. Stir in the melted butter.
• Divide among the ramekins, then add hot water to the casserole dish, coming halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Bake until the edges of the puddings are set but the centers are gooey, about 40 minutes.
• Allow to cool for 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, add the heavy cream to a bowl, then use a hand whisk to whip until light and soft peaks form.
• Serve the puddings in their ramekins with dollops of the fresh whipped cream.

CHOCOLATE PIE

Steps:

• For the crust: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Pulse the cookies in a food processor until finely chopped. With the processor running, add the butter. Press the crumbs into the bottoms of four 4 1/4-inch disposable aluminum pie pans. Bake until set, about 5 minutes. Let cool.
• For the filling: Whisk together the sugar, cornstarch and salt in a medium saucepan. Whisk in the milk and egg yolks. Stir over medium heat until the mixture just barely comes to a boil and becomes thick, 6 to 8 minutes. The second it starts to bubble and thicken (it should be thick like pudding), remove it from the heat. Add the chocolate, butter and vanilla, then stir until everything is beautifully combined. Pour the pudding into the pie crusts and place in the fridge, uncovered, to chill for 4 hours. Serve topped with whipped cream.

PERFECT POTLUCK DESSERT

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Coat an 8-inch square baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
• Mix together the crushed cookies, melted butter and 1/2 cup of the finely chopped pecans in the prepared baking dish until the ingredients are combined and resemble crumbs. Using your fingers, press the crust to form an even, compact layer. Bake until crisp, 5 to 7 minutes. Set aside to cool.
• Using an electric mixer, beat together the cream cheese, confectioners' sugar and vanilla in a bowl until combined. Fold in half of the whipped topping and place the mixture on top of the cooled crust. Spread evenly.
• Next, beat together the chocolate pudding mix and milk in a second bowl until you have a thick mixture. Pour it over the cream cheese layer and spread evenly. Top with the remaining whipped topping and spread evenly again. Sprinkle with the mini chocolate chips and remaining 1/4 cup finely chopped pecans. Chill for 1 hour before serving.

CHOCOLATE PUDDING

Steps:

• For the crumb base: Throw the cookies and melted butter into a food processor and pulverize. Spoon some into the bottom of the serving glasses and set aside.
• For the pudding: Combine the sugar, cornstarch and salt in a medium saucepan. Stir or whisk together. Pour in the milk and egg yolks and whisk together. Stir over medium heat until the mixture just barely comes to a boil and becomes thick, 6 to 8 minutes (maybe less, maybe more; just watch it!). The second it starts to bubble and thicken (note: it should be thick like pudding!), remove it from the heat. Add the chocolate, butter and vanilla and stir until everything is beautifully combined.
• Pour the pudding into the glasses on top of the crumb base. Serve warm or chill in the fridge for 2 hours. Top with whipped cream!