I had an excess egg yolk that needed to be used up and that seemed like as good an excuse as any to make this rich, chocolate-y pudding. It involves milk, egg yolks, and three different forms of chocolate: cocoa powder, dark chocolate, and unsweetened chocolate. By the time I'd finished stirring all the chocolate in it looked more like a ganache than a typical pudding! Very nice, but definitely something to enjoy in small quantities.

Dark Chocolate Pudding

Slightly adapted from Dish of the Day by Kate McMillan

Ingredients

• 2 c. whole (3.25%) milk
• 6 large egg yolks
• 3/4 c. sugar
• 3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
• 2 Tbsp. natural cocoa powder
• 185g dark chocolate
• 55g unsweetened chocolate (or cocoa paste)
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract

Directions

1. Scald the milk over medium-low heat. It should steam and begin to form small bubbles, but stop short of a boil. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Beat the egg yolks with the sugar.
3. Sift in the flour and cocoa powder and mix well.
4. Very gradually mix in the hot milk, whisking constantly.
5. Return the mixture to the pot and cook over medium heat until thickened (4-5 minutes).
6. Reduce heat to low and cook for 1-2 minutes longer.
7. Remove from heat and stir in chocolate. Keep whisking until chocolate is completely melted and fully incorporated.
8. Mix in vanilla.
9. Pour into bowls, cover, and chill until ready to serve.
10. Top with whipped cream and/or fresh strawberries if desired.