Indulgence takes on new meaning with this delectable Bittersweet Chocolate Pudding recipe. Created through the collaborative culinary magic of Tartine Bakery in San Francisco, this dessert has the power to transform ordinary moments into extraordinary memories. Picture this: the bakery’s bustling kitchen, late hours, and a shared bowl of chocolate pudding. It’s an intimate, shared experience that speaks to the comfort and joy of a sweet treat savored amongst friends.
INGREDIENTS
- 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
- 3 large eggs
- 3 cups half-and-half
- 3 tablespoons (3/4 ounce) cornstarch
- 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons (5 ounces) sugar
- 3 tablespoons (just over 1/2 ounce) cocoa powder
- 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt or heaping 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
PREPARATIONS
- Place the chocolate in a heatproof bowl and set a fine-mesh sieve over it.
- Crack the eggs into a medium bowl and whisk lightly.
- In a medium saucepot, warm the half-and-half over low heat, removing it from heat before boiling.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together cornstarch, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Whisk in the warm half-and-half. Return the mixture to the pot and set over medium-low heat.
- Cook, stirring constantly for about 6 minutes until the mixture visibly thickens.
- Slowly add about 2 cups of the hot mixture into the eggs while whisking continuously, then return it all back to the pot and set over low heat.
- Continue stirring constantly, cooking for another minute until the mixture thickens or reaches 208°F on a thermometer.
- Remove from heat and pour through the sieve to melt the chocolate. Blend until satiny and smooth using a blender or stick blender.
- Taste and adjust salt as needed.
- Immediately pour into 6 individual cups, tapping them to remove air bubbles. Allow the pudding to cool.
- Serve at room temperature, garnished with Scented Cream.
- Refrigerate, covered, for up to 4 days.
TIPS
- Use high-quality bittersweet chocolate for the best results.
- Gradually incorporate the hot mixture into the eggs to avoid curdling.
- Experiment with variations like Mexican Chocolate Pudding or Chocolate-Cardamom Pudding for unique flavors.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
- Calories: 318
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 620mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 38g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 28g
- Protein: 6g
Indulging in Bittersweet Chocolate Pudding isn’t just about satisfying a sweet craving; it’s about creating moments of pure delight. The velvety texture and rich cocoa flavor come together in harmony, inviting you to savor each spoonful. From the collaboration that birthed this recipe to the late-night shared bowls, this dessert carries a story of togetherness and the joy of simple pleasures.
Whether you’re crafting it for a special occasion or treating yourself to a moment of self-care, this pudding stands as a testament to the power of exceptional ingredients and thoughtful preparation. Let it transport you to that magical place where flavors dance on your palate, and memories are etched in chocolate.
In a world bustling with complexities, the act of enjoying a bowl of Bittersweet Chocolate Pudding becomes an oasis of simplicity and joy. It’s a reminder that in the art of cooking, simplicity often yields the most profound pleasures. The balance of sweetness and bitterness, the smoothness of the custard, and the familiarity of chocolate—these elements intertwine to create an experience that transcends the boundaries of time and place.
So, whether you find yourself relishing this treat alone or sharing it with loved ones, let it be a celebration of life’s small pleasures. Let it be a reminder that, amid the hustle and bustle, there’s always room for a moment of indulgence. As the spoon dips into the luscious pudding, it carries with it the stories of generations, the camaraderie of kitchens, and the joy of culinary exploration.
