How do you make friends swoon, parents open their wallets, lovers take off their pants and strangers weep with gratitude? Feed them this. You won't regret it.
THE SIMPLE VERSION:
8 oz dark or bittersweet chocolate, chopped
Clear liquid stevia to taste (try: 30-40 drops) OR your sweetener of choice
3 cups almond milk
4 tbsp cornstarch
2-3 sprigs of fresh lavender (or: mint/rosemary.)
2 tbsp margarine or buttery spread
pinch of salt
FANCY PANTS ADD INS:
2 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 tsp vanilla, 1 egg yolk
DIRECTIONS:
In pot on medium heat, add 2.5 cups of milk and fresh herbs. Bring to a boil, then remove herbs. Add salt, optional egg yolk, sweetner, and chopped chocolate. Whisk and bring mixture to a boil a simmer.
In cup, combine cocoa powder, cornstarch and 1/2 cup of milk. Stir until powders dissolve and then strain mixture (through cheese cloth or tea strainer) into pot on stove. Bring mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. After three or four minutes the mixture will thicken to the consistency of custard. When it is smooth and thick test it - it should coat the back of a spoon and not merge back together when you part it with your finger, but not be so thick that you can't stir it. When it gets there remove from heat and add margarine and optional vanilla. Pour pudding into bowls or cups, then cover with plastic wrap to prevent a film from forming. Refrigerate one hour or until firm.
