Decadent Chocolate Meringue Pudding Recipe

Ingredients

For a small pudding, you will need:

• 1 pint of milk
• 2.5 tablespoons of cornstarch
• 1 ounce of high-quality chocolate (such as Ghirardelli or Lindt)
• 2 large eggs
• 5 tablespoons of powdered sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cornstarch Mixture

1. Mix the cornstarch with 1/4 cup (one gill) of the milk until smooth.

Step 2: Heat the Milk and Chocolate

1. Pour the remaining milk into a double boiler and bring it to a boil.
2. Finely grate the chocolate.
3. Once the milk is boiling, add the cornstarch mixture, salt, and grated chocolate.
4. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.

Step 3: Combine with Egg Yolks

1. In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks with 3 tablespoons of powdered sugar until well combined.
2. Gradually pour the hot milk mixture into the egg yolk mixture, beating continuously to prevent the eggs from curdling.

Step 4: Bake the Pudding

1. Transfer the mixture into a 1-quart pudding dish.
2. Bake in a preheated moderate oven (350°F or 175°C) for 20 minutes.

Step 5: Prepare the Meringue

1. Beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks.
2. Gradually add the remaining 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar and the vanilla extract, continuing to beat until the meringue is glossy and holds stiff peaks.

Step 6: Finish Baking

1. Spread the meringue over the baked pudding.
2. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes with the oven door slightly open to allow the meringue to set without browning too quickly.

Step 7: Serve

1. Serve the pudding either hot or cold, depending on your preference.

Interesting Facts and Stats

• Chocolate Consumption: The average American consumes approximately 9.5 pounds of chocolate per year (source: Statista).
• Meringue Origins: Meringue is believed to have originated in the Swiss town of Meiringen, although its exact origins are debated (source: BBC).
• Cornstarch Usage: Cornstarch is a common thickening agent in many desserts, and the U.S. produces about 1.4 billion bushels of corn annually, a portion of which is used to make cornstarch (source: USDA).

Nutritional Information

Conclusion

Chocolate Meringue Pudding is a delightful dessert that combines the richness of chocolate with the airy texture of meringue. This recipe is straightforward and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the process of making this dessert and savor every bite!

For more delicious recipes and cooking tips, visit Food Network and BBC Good Food.