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The first dessert I ever remember my mother making for me when I was a little girl was chocolate pudding. She used a packaged brand called My T Fine. With great anticipation, I’d watch as she measured out the milk into a pot, added the pudding mix and stirred and stirred until steam began to rise. Then, she’d pour it into little cups and set it on the counter to set. That was the hardest part for me - waiting for it to thicken up and settle into smooth, creamy, chocolately pudding. While I waited, she’d let me lick the spoon for a tasty preview of what was to come. When the pudding was ready, I’d dig my spoon through the firm and slightly chewy skin on top and take my first bite. I always took really small spoonfuls to make the pudding last longer, because I loved it so much.
To this day, chocolate pudding holds a special place in my heart. It represents all the warm, fuzzy and sweet parts of my childhood. So, when I learned that this week’s Tuesdays with Dorie recipe was a homemade Chocolate Pudding, I got a little excited. I’d never made a pudding from scratch before, and I was anxious to try it. I was also thrilled that I didn’t have to turn on my oven for this one.
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The recipe for this pudding seemed relatively basic, although it involved a lot of steps, that seemed a bit unnecessary. The main ingredients were milk, sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch and chocolate. I used some Valrhona 61% dark chocolate that I had left over from another recipe. For variety, I added some instant espresso powder to some of my pudding to give it a mocha flavor.
I found those cute little glasses in the top photo at a local restaurant as we were dining there one evening. I asked the server where they got them and he sold me some for a dollar each. Aren’t they perfect? I’d been waiting for a chance to use them and this was it. I decided to make little pudding parfaits in them. For the parfaits, I made some white chocolate pudding with a lovely recipe that I found over at Tartelette’s place. In between the dark and white chocolate puddings, I put a thin layer of red raspberry sauce. I think raspberry goes so well with both white and dark chocolate! I think they look adorable!
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I’m sure you’re wondering how this pudding tasted. Did it hold its own against My T Fine, my childhood standard? Of course, the proof is in the pudding, as they say, and this pudding was definitely “My T Fine”! Oh, quit groaning, already. It’s my blog and I’m entitled to a few trite cliches now and then. Seriously, this pudding was fantastic! The bittersweet chocolate gave it a rich, complex depth of flavor that you just can’t get out of a box. The texture was impossibly silky, like velvet. It was a truly luxurious dessert. Best of all, it brought back such wonderful memories of my childhood. I would absolutely make it again, and since they don’t sell My T Fine in my neck of the woods, I probably will. It beats the hell out of Jello Pudding Cups!
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Many thanks to Melissa from It’s Melissa’s Kitchen for choosing this recipe for us this week! If you would like to try this for yourself, and you should, you can find the recipe on Dorie’s site here in addition to her book, Baking: From My Home to Yours. And finally, pop on over to the Tuesdays with Dorie blogroll to see what the other members have done with this recipe.
Filed Under: Chocolate, Cooking, Custards and Puddings, Desserts, Recipes, Tuesdays with Dorie
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On July 15, 2008 at 1:02pm, Jules Someone said...
That looks adorable and delicious! Mmmmmm.
On July 15, 2008 at 1:03pm, Rebecca said...
I love your presentation! Those little glasses were a real score. And this DOES beat the hell out of Jell-O.
On July 15, 2008 at 1:05pm, The Kitchen Vixen said...
fabulous presentation! those glasses are adorable!
On July 15, 2008 at 1:06pm, Patsyk said...
What wonderful childhood memories! I’ve never made pudding from scratch, but I can imagine it must be so much better than the boxed stuff. Yours looks decadent!
On July 15, 2008 at 1:08pm, Melissa said...
What great little glasses!
On July 15, 2008 at 1:11pm, Dianne said...
Your pudding looks fabulous!
On July 15, 2008 at 1:15pm, Engineer Baker said...
Those glasses are awesome - maybe I’ll start trying that idea out. I never thought a restaurant would sell those sorts of things to you!
On July 15, 2008 at 1:34pm, eatme_delicious said...
I love that first photo! What a beautiful and yummy looking dessert you’ve create.
On July 15, 2008 at 1:36pm, Haley said...
I’m Haley, Key Ingredient’s Chief Blogger. We would like to feature this recipe and photo on our blog. We realize it is taken from another source, but we’ll be sure to note that…we just feel you’ve done a great job putting this meal together! Please email haleyglasco@gmail.com if interested. Thanks
Haley
On July 15, 2008 at 1:44pm, Linda said...
GORGEOUS presentation!! I love those dainty little glasses!
On July 15, 2008 at 1:53pm, kim said...
ooh, love your pics, and the white choc pudding on top sounds delicious!!
On July 15, 2008 at 4:43pm, The Short (dis)Order Cook said...
I remember being obsessed with making pudding from scratch when I was in high school. It was easy to do because we always had eggs, milk, and cornstarch in the house. I haven’t made pudding for pudding’s sake (rather than for a pie or something like that) in years. You’ve given me some ideas. I don’t know if I made pudding again if my presentation would be as pretty.
On July 15, 2008 at 5:14pm, noble pig said...
Ummm, those are just adorable…and beautiful..and perfect…like you.
On July 15, 2008 at 5:28pm, Susan from Food Blogga said...
I too think of Mom whenever I make chocolate pudding. It’s the quintessential “warm and fuzzy” for me. Yours looks lip-smacking good, Susan.
On July 15, 2008 at 6:12pm, Roni said...
Your presentation is incredible! I love the glass cups and the fact that you went all out and did a white chocolate pudding and raspberry layer. Sounds delish!
On July 15, 2008 at 6:28pm, Debbie said...
Wow. Your picture of the pudding is great. I wish I could take photos like that! I do remember My T Fine pudding. That certainly brought bake memories. I remember my mom making a pudding from a box called Whip and Chill…..I don’t think they made that product a long time though…..!
On July 15, 2008 at 6:31pm, Stephanie said...
Those little pudding cups look so pretty and elegant. A far cry from Jell-O cups indeed! I love those little squarish cups, they’re very cute.
On July 15, 2008 at 7:07pm, StickyGooeyCreamyChewy said...
Hi Everyone! I’m so glad that you liked my pudding presentation! I agree that those little glasses were a great score. In case anyone is interested, I got them at Carrabbas Italian Grill. It is a chain restaurant in the U.S.
I see that some of you also remember My T Fine pudding. That was pretty good stuff. Apparently, it is a regional brand and not available here in the South. I did find a few web sites that carry it, so if you get a craving for it, you can get it online.
Engineer Baker- Give it a try. You never know unless you ask.
Haley- Thanks for stopping by. I will check out your site as soon as I get a chance.
Kim- The white chocolate pudding was delious - and a nice contrast.
Short (dis)Order Cook- I’m impressed! I never even thought to make pudding from scratch before, especially as a teen!
Noble Pig- Awww shucks! Thank you! Right back at you!
Debbie- I remember Whip and Chill! My mom made it too. I loved it!
On July 15, 2008 at 7:14pm, Christine said...
I so wish I could take pics like you do. Your pudding looks delicious!
On July 15, 2008 at 7:14pm, Steph said...
Thos pictures are amazing!! I love how you served them differently.
On July 15, 2008 at 7:17pm, the southern hostess said...
Great presentation! This looks delicious!
On July 15, 2008 at 7:20pm, Kevin said...
The chocolate pudding looks great!
On July 15, 2008 at 7:22pm, Pamela said...
The pictures are amazing! I love the little square glasses that you served your parfaits in. And I enjoyed your the memory you shared. It’s amazing what memories foods can conjure up! Great job.
On July 15, 2008 at 7:34pm, Jen of A2eatwrite said...
Those are gorgeous pictures! I have a favorite dark chocolate custard recipe which sees way too much use when the weather turns cold!
Might T Fine is still sold via the Vermont Country Catalog, I believe.
On July 15, 2008 at 7:36pm, Heather B said...
I love your presentation! It looks delicious! Great job!
On July 15, 2008 at 8:50pm, Tartelette said...
I did the same things last year when I found bowls I liked. My husband thought I was crazy but they went for it! The puddings are scrumptious!
On July 15, 2008 at 8:51pm, Susie Homemaker said...
those little glasses and your pudding in them looks SO AMAZING!! I want one. Or two. Ummm, how many are left??
On July 15, 2008 at 8:58pm, Paula said...
I love how you describe your childhood pudding experience! Your presentation of this is beautiful and I bet it tasted My T Divine! Yum!
On July 15, 2008 at 9:14pm, karen said...
love the little glasses, how nice of them to sell them to you. your parfaits look great. and the espresso sounds like a great addition, too.
On July 15, 2008 at 9:45pm, Mike said...
Gorgeous! Dorie’s pudding is great and all, but there’s something to be said about the presentation. Makes me feel bad serving it to people in plastic-wrapped cups.
On July 15, 2008 at 10:41pm, amandalouden said...
Looks so great! I love love pudding.
On July 16, 2008 at 12:49am, White On Rice Couple said...
The valrhona chocolate you have is a great one! Gosh the pudding looks great, and you’re right, it sure does beat the hell out of jello pudding!
When are you and you mom gonna have your cookoff’s? I would love to see a series on this!
On July 16, 2008 at 1:14am, Rachelle said...
Oooh I love how you did yours with the white chocolate and raspberry! Mmmm
LOVE that coffee cup photo too!
On July 16, 2008 at 3:54am, Nickki said...
Your puddings look so delicious! Beautiful pictures. I loved this recipe too!
On July 16, 2008 at 4:55am, dorie said...
What a great idea to make both white and dark chocolate puddings — they looked so lovely together in the adorable little glasses and bet they tasted as good as they looked.
On July 16, 2008 at 6:09am, PheMom said...
Fantastic pudding and so very cute!
On July 16, 2008 at 6:15am, Katie said...
These are adorable and even though I’m not a huge fan of pudding I think I might like these.
On July 16, 2008 at 6:44am, Jess said...
Another “beautiful presentation” - thanks for sourcing the little glasses! Nice job!
On July 16, 2008 at 6:45am, Mary said...
Wow! I love the little pudding parfaits! They looks so upscale and elegant, especially for something as homey and comforting as chocolate pudding!
On July 16, 2008 at 7:30am, Nina's Kitchen (Nina Timm) said...
I would have paid a dollar for those cute glasses too.
On July 16, 2008 at 7:40am, Madam Chow said...
That photo makes my mouth water - I love the little glasses. And great combo of flavors!
On July 16, 2008 at 8:21am, StickyGooeyCreamyChewy said...
Christine- Thank you! I’m so glad you enjoy the photos. The best advice I can give is to try to find some good filtered light and take lots of shots. Sometimes, I’ll take 50-75 shots of something! With that many to choose from, you’re sure to find a few that you like.
Pamela- It is amazing! Food can represent so many things, the most important of which are love and family.
Jen- I think I have seen it in that catalog before. Of course, now that I know how to make it myself…. 😉
Tartelette- Thanks for the inspiration!
Susie- You’d better hurry. They’re going fast! 😉
WORC- Glad you liked them! My mom and I have been talking about doing a series on making homemade pasta, and of course, we’ll be having a Holiday cookie throwdown! As soon as things settle down around here.
Dorie- Welcome to my little slice of the web! I’m flattered and honored that you came by. I’m so glad that you liked my little parfaits. You provide me with such wonderful inspiration!
Jess- You’re very welcome. I like to share whenever I can.
On July 16, 2008 at 8:34am, joanne at frutto della passione said...
I love the little puddings in the shot glasses. Just the perfect thing to serve after a dinner party! And I agree about raspberry and chocolate together - perfect!
On July 16, 2008 at 8:54am, Kristen said...
What lovely creations!!
On July 16, 2008 at 9:24am, Gina said...
The pudding cups look delicious! And I agree - raspberry is an excellent choice to go with white and dark chocolate. Beautiful photography as well.
On July 16, 2008 at 9:24am, Teanna said...
That was a great story about you being a little girl! So vivid- it should have been a commercial! You pudding looks gorgeous!
On July 16, 2008 at 10:44am, Aran said...
these are adorable susan!
On July 16, 2008 at 10:53am, KayKat said...
Wow! That first pic totally caught my attention, 100%!
I totally agree with you - raspberries rule! Especially with chocolate
On July 16, 2008 at 12:31pm, Melissa said...
So wonderful! These are like little mini dessert sliders!
On July 16, 2008 at 1:42pm, mimi said...
i loved my t fine puddings! um, what’s with the past tense, i still love ’em! but will definitely have to try this recipe. your pudding in the big coffee mug looks great!
On July 16, 2008 at 5:25pm, Brilynn said...
Those glasses really are great, and I like adding a little alcohol to my pudding now…
On July 16, 2008 at 5:36pm, The DeLadurantey Sisters said...
Nice little glass cups!
On July 16, 2008 at 8:51pm, Proud Italian Cook said...
Gorgeous photos Susan! Does Carraba’s sell those glasses? I have one near by.
On July 16, 2008 at 10:17pm, Peabody said...
Oh Valrhona…good choice!!! I love that stuff.
On July 17, 2008 at 3:44am, nicisme said...
Joining the end of the queue here to say “fabulous”!
On July 17, 2008 at 9:11am, Ari (Baking and Books) said...
I love this! They look so elegant, tempting, luscious and incredibly fabulous. I want.
On July 17, 2008 at 8:15pm, Cookie baker Lynn said...
Your pudding looks fabulous! I love the layers and the dainty cups you used. Beautiful photos, too.
On July 18, 2008 at 1:32am, Dhanggit said...
this is definitely the most mouth-watering pudding i’ve laid my eyes on..im drooling with your photos..yummy
On July 18, 2008 at 8:30am, Lillian said...
Your photos are beautiful, and those little glasses are great!
On July 18, 2008 at 8:50am, LyB said...
What a lovely presentation! I love the contrast the raspberries crate against the whipped cream. And your pudding looks just luscious.
On July 18, 2008 at 9:45am, Hillary said...
I can’t decide what I like to do more: make chocolate pudding or eat it! Yours looks magnificent, well done!
On July 18, 2008 at 4:08pm, Cakelaw said...
These little puddings are soooooooo cute. You are right - the glasses are just perfect! I need to work on the presentation side of things - your presentation is always faultless, whereas I think I’ve made an effort if I slap my food on a plate.
On July 18, 2008 at 4:42pm, CookiePie said...
Oooooh - there are few things more satisfying than homemade pudding. And you certainly gave it elegance with the 2 puddings and the raspberry sauce! Delicious and so pretty!!
On July 19, 2008 at 3:49am, Emiline said...
How decadent and delicious!
On July 19, 2008 at 5:37am, The Short (dis)Order Cook said...
Tag! See my blog.
:0)
On July 19, 2008 at 7:46am, Simply...Gluten-free said...
Beautiful presentation and photos. I think you just triggered a major chocolate attack for me - gotta have some chocolate pudding!
On July 19, 2008 at 7:57am, Leslie said...
Oh this looks out of this world!!!
On July 19, 2008 at 12:21pm, una donna dolce said...
Mmmm…chocolate…
I've tagged you for a meme on my blog if you're interested!
http://vanillabasil.blogspot.com/2008/07/feeling-little-frenchepisode-ii.html
<3 Dana
On July 20, 2008 at 8:47am, amy purple said...
Those photos look so tempting! I always remember when my mother and i would bake stuff growing up. It really does create warm moments.
On July 20, 2008 at 10:26pm, Bren @ Flanboyatn Eats said...
this is pure goodness right here! nice.
On July 21, 2008 at 1:24am, Cakespy said...
WOW does that look delicious, rich and refreshing-all at once! How yum. One of my childhood favorites-and Dorie always does such a beautiful job.
On July 21, 2008 at 3:46pm, Dolores said...
I love your beautiful layered mini parfaits; what a splendid way to break in a new set of glassware. Glad the recipe measured up to your My-T-Fine expectations!
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