Hot Chocolate Pudding

With pure chocolate and vanilla, this can satisfy a sweet craving. Serve with or without the orange whipped cream.

• Ready In: 25 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• Orange Whipped Cream

• 1⁄4 cup heavy cream
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons sugar
• 1⁄8 teaspoon  grated orange zest

• Pudding

• 1⁄2 cup sugar
• 1 1⁄2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 3⁄4 cup milk
• 1⁄2 cup heavy cream
•  salt, pinch
• 9  ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
• 2  tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1  teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. For orange whipped cream, in a small bowl, with a handheld electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat cream, sugar and orange zest until soft peaks form.
2. Refrigerate while making pudding.
3. For pudding, in a medium saucepan, combine sugar and cornstarch; whisk in milk, cream and salt until blended.
4. Cook over medium heat, whisking gently, just until mixture thickens and comes to a boil.
5. Remove pan from heat; stir in chocolate, butter and vanilla until smooth.
6. With handheld electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat until light and fluffy.
7. Divide pudding to 4 (6 ounce) ramekins; top each with a dollop of Orange Whipped Cream.