Sunday, September 17, 2006

chocolate for your inner child






The other day while I was shopping, I saw the September issue of Martha Stewart Living Magazine. On the cover is a beautiful photo of Martha’s new kitchen. I gave in, bought the magazine and lusted over Martha’s: marble countertops, pots, knives, convection oven, stainless steel appliances and tableware. I then flipped through the magazine to see if there were any recipes I wanted to try. I found two chocolate recipes. The first was a chocolate ginger brownie, which is one of those mix everything in one-bowl recipes and the second was a simple chocolate pudding. The memories I associate with both these desserts are of childhood – when things were simple and carefree. So I dedicate these desserts to the child in all of us.

When making chocolate desserts, I usually go by the following guideline: use good chocolate! The types of chocolate that I prefer to use are Valrhona, Scharfenberg, Callebaut or Lindt. The quality of your chocolate will affect the quality of your desserts and baked goods - try not to compromise. For the brownies I used a dark bittersweet Callebaut and for the pudding, I used a dark semisweet Callebaut. The ginger in the brownies was a nice touch, it gave the brownies a rich and complex flavour, that was familiar and comforting, without being too sweet or intense. The chocolate pudding was tasty, simple and satisfying. The flavour and consistency is exactly what a chocolate pudding should be. Both recipes are incredibly simple and comforting.







chocolate ginger brownies

1/2 cup unsalted butter, plus more for the baking dish
3 oz bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
1 cup sugar
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
2 large eggs
1 tsp grated peeled fresh ginger
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp course salt
1/8 tsp ground cloves

1. Preheat oven to 325ºF. Butter an 8” square baking dish. Line bottom with parchment paper, allowing 2 inches to hang over 2 sides. Butter parchment; set aside. Melt butter and chocolate together in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat, and stir in remaining ingredients.
2. Pour batter into prepared dish. Smooth top with a rubber spatula. Bake until a cake tester inserted into the centre comes out with moist crumbs, 30- 35 minutes. Let cool in pan on a wire rack. Cut into squares. Brownies can be stored in an air tight container at room temperature up to 4 days.



chocolate pudding with whipped cream

1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 Tbsp cornstarch
2 Tbsp unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
1/4 tsp salt
2 cups milk
2 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
4 oz semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
1 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened
1/3 cup heavy cream
1 Tbsp confectioner’s sugar

1. Whisk granulated sugar, cornstarch, cocoa, and salt in a medium pan. Whisk in milk and yolks. Cook over medium-low heat, whisking, until thickened, 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat. Add chocolate and butter; whisk until melted.
2. Pour pudding through a sieve into a heatproof bowl and set in an ice-water bath. To prevent a skin from forming, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface. Refrigerate, stirring occasionally, until cold and set, about 40 minutes (up to 2 days).
3. Whip cream and confectioner’s sugar in a medium bowl until soft peaks form. Divide cold pudding among 4 bowls, and serve with whipped cream.

Both recipes are from Martha Stewart Living, September 2006

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12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Both recipes look so delicious. When I was pregnant I craved chocolate pudding in the worst way. My cravings were often things I had as a child. When I was young I used to cuddle up on the couch with a bowl of chocolate pudding and watch The Cosby Show. Only fitting as Bill Cosby was the Pudding Pop spokesperson. Anyway, thanks for sharing those recipes and your quenelle is beautiful.

Anonymous said...

I want chocolate from the moment I get up til I go to bed...I am sure these 2 recipes are in my near future.
I always admire your recipes and your talent.

Anonymous said...

I so want her kitchen too!
Both of those look scrumptous.

Jen said...

I agree, when making chocolate desserts you can't take shortcuts only the best will do. Your Chocolate pudding looks so heavenly. What a perfect dish!

Anonymous said...

YUM. I love both ginger and chocolate but have never tried them together. The brownies sure look deliciou. Thanks for sharing the recipe!

Sam said...

Hi Ashley,

Thanks for visiting and for your comments. It is funny that most of us are probably nostalgic for Jello-pudding, I remember it was good, but this chocolate pudding is infinately better.

Hi Helene,

Spoken like a true chocoholic! I also see them in your near future as well.

Hi Peabody,

I'm sure that if we win the lotto that we could afford her designer, carpenter, cabinet maker and all those wonderful appliances and peices of tableware. I'm going out to buy a lotto ticket today!

Hi Jenjen,

Chocolate shortcuts usually lead to chocolate disappointment. Thanks for agreeing with me Jenjen.

Hi Veuveclicquot,

Thanks for visiting and for your lovely comment. The chocolate ginger brownies were really good, I definitely recommend trying them.

Lis said...

As per usual, you have made me simultaneously drool and *swoon* over my keyboard. One day I will make gorgeous looking desserts like you.. okay well maybe not - but I will die trying ;)

Brilynn said...

I haven't had chocolate pudding in ages, I think I have to make some now! Those brownies are pretty tempting too, I love ginger.

Jann said...

I love anything chocolate....these two recipes are going to push me over the edge! that's a good thing...Happy cooking!Yes, Martha's kitchen is wonderful....

Anonymous said...

I agree that the chocolate makes all the difference! The brownies look delish but that pudding is calling my name...

Sam said...

Hi Lis,

Your Awesome, Thanks! I have seen your blog, all your dishes look great.

Hi Brilynn,

Thanks for visiting. I hadn't made pudding for a long time as well. That's why I was inspired to make it when I saw it Living Magazine.

Hi Jann,

Thanks for visiting. Chocolate is one of the best things on earth.

Hi Anita,

Thanks for your lovely comments Anita. Once you have had good chocolate, you can't really go back. Cheers!

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