Chocolate Ginger Pudding

 

What can sound more comforting than Chocolate pudding?  This recipe combines that comfort with one of my favorite flavors - ginger. 

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 1/2 cups milk
• 4 large egg yolks (you can use egg substitute)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 cup chopped crystallized ginger

Directions

1. Place a fine-mesh sieve over a medium bowl; set aside. 
2. In a medium saucepan, off heat, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, cocoa powder, and salt. 
3. Very gradually (a few tablespoons at a time) whisk in the milk, taking care to dissolve the cornstarch. Whisk in egg yolks or substitute. 
4. Whisking constantly, cook over medium heat until the first large bubble forms and sputters. 
5. Reduce heat to low; still whisking, cook 1 more minute. Remove from heat; immediately pour through the sieve into bowl. 
6. Stir butter and vanilla into hot pudding.
7. Place plastic wrap directly on surface of pudding (to prevent skin from forming); chill at least 3 hours and up to 3 days. Before serving, whisk pudding until smooth. 
8. Mix 1 teaspoon ground ginger into the cooled Chocolate Pudding. Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped crystallized ginger