There are few things in life that tickle my fancy more than coffee and chocolate.
I love desserts of all kinds: lemon, butterscotch, vanilla, really anything.
But there is something about coffee and chocolate that just sends me over the moon.
It had been awhile since I visited my favorite neighborhood store: Green Grocer in Dallas. On Friday, I’d decided that I was long overdue for a visit. I was really hot and I have no air conditioning in my car. I only hope that one of these days my husband will just finally agree to a new car. Mine is paid off and evidently I will be driving it around until the wheels fall off or I have a heat stroke – whichever comes first.
I was craving one of their cold smoothies and was waiting in line when I decided to add on a double shot of espresso to my order. Not to drink right then…I just suddenly decided I would make something for the blog with my favorite coffee. They serve really, really good coffee from a local coffee roaster in Dallas, Noble Coyote Coffee.
Hey there, lovely.
What I love about Green Grocer is the ability to support several local artisans at once while knowing that everything sold within those four walls is ethically sourced. Noble Coyote Coffee supports fair trade, roasts their own beans, and provides a mighty tasty cup of coffee. Not near Dallas? Order them online here; I promise you will not be disappointed. (I suppose I should state I am not receiving any monies to talk about Green Grocer or Noble Coyote Coffee; I just feel the need to spread the word about good Dallas Companies!)
So….back to coffee and chocolate.
And almond milk.
I buy the best almond milk at Green Grocer:
Sure, I could make my own almond milk. But this is too good and means I don’t have to soak almonds.
Espresso + Chocolate + Almond Milk = Wuv. Twoo Wuv.
Creamy and sweet with a bold punch of Espresso, this pudding is definitely for the coffee lover. This isn’t your typical chocolate dessert with a hint of coffee. It’s as bold and assertive as the espresso you use, so make sure you brew a cup of your finest espresso. Or, do what I did, and just swing by your local coffee shop and order a double shot. For best taste, allow to cool in the fridge before eating.
Ingredients: 3 T. cocoa powder 2 T. cornstarch 3/4 cup sugar (Turbinado highly recommended due to its molasses undertones) pinch of sea salt 1/2 cup brewed espresso 1 1/2 cups unsweetened Almond Milk (or whole milk) 3 egg yolks, lightly beaten 1 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract 3 T. butter, chopped Directions: 1. In a medium pot or saucier pan, whisk together your cornstarch, cocoa powder, and sea salt until combined. 2. Turn heat on to medium and add the espresso, almond milk, and egg yolks. Whisk to combine. 3. Continue whisking while pudding mixture comes just under a low boil over medium heat. 4. Whisk over medium heat for about 7-10 minutes until thickened. Once there are ridges that appear in the top of the pudding when you remove your whisk, your pudding is done. 5. Stir in vanilla extract and butter until combined. 5. Remove pan from heat and immediately pour into serving bowl or individual ramekins. Let cool for a few minutes, then place plastic wrap over serving dishes, ensuring wrap is in direct contact with pudding to avoid the dreaded “pudding skin”. Refrigerate until cool, or overnight for serving the next day.ESPRESSO CHOCOLATE ALMOND PUDDING
Obviously, if you have kids, I highly suggest NOT serving this Espresso Chocolate Almond Pudding to them. If you are looking for a more family friendly chocolate pudding recipe, simply replace the 1/2 cup espresso with an additional 1/2 cup almond milk.
If you are feeling really, really naughty, try adding a half shot of fine bourbon.
For my vegan friends, you can leave out the egg yolks and add in an additional 1 T. cornstarch. It may not set as firm as traditional pudding, but you’ll still have a yummy treat. Sub earth balance for the butter.
Once you’ve made your own pudding, you will wonder why you’re still buying those gross pudding cups from the grocery store. No nasty chemicals here and it is so easy!
Pudding for me. Pudding for you. Pudding for eeeeverybody!!!!
recipes from the birdcage. 
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