The proof of your affection is in the pudding
Way back in late December while we were still savoring the holidays, stores were already decked out in red again for Valentines Day. Is there no rest?
Forget the flowers and candy and do something really different for your sweetie. Make these inexpensive cute as a valentine, velvety smooth chocolate pudding cups. They are dense with flavor and can be a welcome change and nice surprise not just on Valentines Day but any day.
CHOCOLATE PUDDING CUPS
1½ c. light cream
1 t. almond or vanilla extract
3 large eggs at room temperature
4 T. granulated sugar
3½ oz. good quality semi sweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Heat the cream to just under the boil and set aside.
Place the chocolate in a heat-proof bowl and place the bowl in a pan of very hot water; allow the chocolate to melt. Set aside.
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until light and fluffy; beat in the chocolate with the extract until well combined then slowly beat in the light cream.
Fill four 4-oz. ramekins with the pudding and place the ramekins in a ovenproof pan or casserole dish. Slowly pour enough hot water around the ramekins (not in the ramekins) to come halfway up the sides of them. Bake, loosely covered with aluminum foil until the pudding is set, about 50 minutes. Carefully remove ramekins and refrigerate at least several hours before serving or make them a day ahead. Garnish with sweetened cream and berries. if desired. Makes 4.