S'mores Dark Chocolate Puddings

Name: S'mores Dark Chocolate Puddings
Yield: Makes 6
Ingredients: 4 1/2 whole graham crackers (5 x 2 1/2-inch rectangles), coarsely broken; 2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 cup sugar; 3 tablespoons cornstarch; 2 tablespoons natural unsweetened cocoa powder (such as Scharffen Berger); 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder; Pinch of salt; 3 large egg yolks; 2 cups whole milk; 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream; 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate (54% to 60% cacao), chopped; 1 tablespoon whiskey; 1 tablespoon butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 large egg whites; 1 cup sugar; 1/4 cup water; 2 tablespoons light corn syrup; 1 1/4 teaspoons vanilla extract; Kitchen butane torch

I have never understood why pudding has not inspired the same passion as the ubiquitous cupcake. Pudding is Americana personified and every bit as interesting and delicious as any other dessert, but for some reason it is not as glorified as some of its peers. Perhaps it's because pudding is not as visually exciting? In an attempt to add a bit of visual flair to puddin', we created a S'mores version that looks great in a clear glass (or glass container). To us, diner desserts equal layered desserts, and the layers of dark chocolate pudding look terrific with the alternate layers of toasted graham. The marshmallow topping is both tasty and a tad sexy. Its about time pudding got its groove back.

By Matt Lewis and Renato Poliafito

March 31, 2009

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