National Chocolate Pudding Day

My son informed me that today is National Chocolate Pudding Day. I’m not sure why people come up with these less than significant holidays, but it doesn’t really matter. What matters is that we had really good chocolate pudding.

Double Chocolate Pudding

2 cups milk
1 cup sugar
5 egg yolks
4 tablespoons cocoa powder
3 tablespoons corn starch
1/4 cup heavy cream
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
pinch ground cinnamon
1 cup good quality chocolate chips, like Guittard brand, plus a small handful for garnish
whipped cream (recipe follows)

1. In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, bring the milk almost to a boil. Meanwhile, whisk sugar and egg yolks until pale yellow, smooth, and it falls in ribbons. Whisk in cocoa powder and corn starch.

 2. Whisk in hot milk, a half a cup at a time until mixture is warm to the touch. Pour entire mixture back into the saucepan and whisk constantly until pudding starts to thicken and it coats the back of a wooden spoon.

3. Pull off the heat and add in cream, vanilla, and cinnamon. Pour in chocolate chips and allow to rest for a minute. Stir the mixture to incorporate the melted chocolate. Pour into a bowl or into individual cups. Serve warm or cold and with a dollop of whipped cream. Chop a handful of chocolate chips and sprinkle on for a garnish.

Whipped Cream

1/3 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 tablespoons confectioner’s sugar