Pure Chocolate Pudding

By RUSS PARSONS March 28, 1999 12 AM PT

There’s nothing simpler or more delicious than a good chocolate pudding.

Chocolate Pots de Creme

Active Work Time: 10 minutes * Total Preparation Time: 45 minutes

Adapted from Richard Sax’s “Classic Home Desserts” (Chapters, 1994).

1/4 pound chocolate, finely chopped

1 cup whipping cream

1 cup milk

2 eggs plus 2 yolks

1/3 cup sugar

Lightly sweetened whipped cream, optional

* Bring chocolate, whipping cream and milk just to boiling point in small saucepan, stirring occasionally. When steam appears at edges of pan, remove from heat and whisk smooth.

* While liquid ingredients are cooking, lightly beat eggs, egg yolks and sugar to combine in medium mixing bowl. Do not let mixture get foamy.

* Whisking gently, dribble 1/4 cup hot milk mixture into eggs. Whisk until smooth. Gradually add more hot milk, whisking constantly, until all milk is combined with eggs. Pour through strainer into pitcher or 4-cup mixing cup.

* Divide mixture equally among 8 (1/2-cup) ramekins. Egg mixture should fill ramekins only 2/3 to 3/4 full. Place baking pan on middle rack of 300-degree oven and place ramekins in pan. Fill pan with very hot water to halfway up sides of ramekins. Cover loosely with sheet of foil or baking sheet and bake until edges are set and center of custard still trembles when shaken, 30 to 35 minutes.

* Remove baking pan from oven. Remove ramekins from baking pan and cool. Cover tightly and refrigerate until serving time. Serve, passing lightly sweetened whipped cream to add as wished.

8 servings.