Chocolate Budino (Italian chocolate pudding)

 So creamy and rich.   I like to add candied walnuts or pecans to the top of mine.

CHOCOALTE BUDINO

(serves 6)

Ingredients:

*8 ounce bittersweet dark chocolate (bar cut into small pieces or  dark chocolate chips)

*pinch cayenne pepper

*1/4 teaspoon salt

*6 large egg yolks

*1 1/4 cups heavy cream

*1 cup whole milk

*1/3 cup sugar

*pinch cayenne pepper (optional)

*1 tablespoon butter

*whip cream (optional)

Directions:

~Add chocolate, cayenne pepper, and salt into a medium sized glass (or heat proof) bowl.

~In a medium saucepan, add egg yolks, sugar, milk and heavy cream.

~Whisk until well mixed.

~Cook or medium-low heat, stirring constantly until the pudding is thick enough to coat the back of the spoon about 170-175 degrees).

~Remove from heat.

~Place a fine sieve over bowl wth chocolate in it.

~Pour the hot milk mixture through the sieve over the chocolate.

~Allow to sit for three minutes.

~Whisk until chocolate has melted and chocolate is shiny and thick.

~Add vanilla and butter and stir until butter is melted and mixed well.

~Pour into serving containers and cover with plastic wrap (to prevent a skin from forming).

~Chill for 3-4 hours.

~Top with whip cream & chocolate shavings (optional).