Warm Cocoa Pudding with Candied Pecans


 

INGREDIENTS

Candied Pecans

  • 1 large egg white
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 cup pecans

Pudding

  • 1½ cups heavy cream
  • 1½ cups whole milk
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
  • 4 ounces chopped chocolate (at least 70% cacao)

RECIPE PREPARATION

Candied Pecans

  • Preheat oven to 325°. Whisk egg white in a medium bowl until frothy. Whisk in sugar. Add pecans; toss until coated. Spread out on a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet and bake, tossing every 10 minutes, until browned and dry, 25–30 minutes. Let cool.

  • Do Ahead: Pecans can be candied 1 week ahead. Store airtight at room temperature.

Pudding

  • Bring cream, milk, butter, and vanilla to a simmer in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Meanwhile, whisk eggs, sugar, cornstarch, cocoa powder, and salt in a medium heatproof bowl to combine.

  • As soon as cream mixture reaches a simmer, remove from heat and, whisking constantly, very gradually add one-third of cream mixture to egg mixture. Whisk tempered egg mixture into cream mixture in saucepan. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until mixture thickens and is bubbling, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and add chopped chocolate; whisk until chocolate is melted and pudding is smooth. Serve topped with candied pecans.

  • Do Ahead: Pudding can be made 2 days ahead. Press plastic wrap directly onto surface and chill. Reheat gently in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water before serving.

Recipe by Kelly Fields, Willa Jean, New Orleans, LA
, 
Photos by Alex Lau

Nutritional Content



x