I don't bake or make desserts on a regular basis, but I do like to make treats for dinner parties and family birthdays. I'm always trying to lighten them a bit, trimming sugar and fat where I think it won't compromise a recipe. Or leaving the frosting off a cake and serving it with berries instead. Or forgoing the cake altogether and serving berries with a small dollop of real whipped cream. But in this case, I didn't mess around with perfection. Luscious, honestly nutritious, and kid-friendly to boot, you can't beat good old-fashioned chocolate pudding. This version is creamy and uber-chocolatey, yet deceivingly light (spooned into 6-oz. ramekins, around 150 calories per serving, about 4 grams each of protein and fat). We're splurging on it tonight to celebrate John's (last Saturday) birthday - tonight's the first night we'll finally have everyone together plus Stacey and Cooper.
Another bonus - it comes together in about 20 minutes (with an additional 4 hours to chill, the perfect do-ahead dessert). The combination of cocoa and bittersweet chocolate gives the flavor a seriously chocolatey oomph, a must-have combination for a John Birthday. Cornstarch (no eggs) and evaporated skim milk cleverly make it creamy and smooooooth without sending the richness completely over-the-top. (Press plastic wrap over the tops while they cool.)
I predict spoon licking. Recipe, from Cooking Light, is here.
