Tuesday, October 06, 2009

TWD: Split Level Pudding

I have discovered the joys of homemade pudding. The chocolate pudding that we last made for Dorie was amazing. Sad to say, this one did not give me the same joy. It was a layer of ganache covered with a layer of vanilla pudding. It sounded delicious, and I was eager to make it.

The ganache was fine. What could be bad about heavy cream and bittersweet chocolate? The pudding layer was not so fine. Dorie's recipes call for her pudding to go through a round in the food processor. From my experience and from what I've read from other members, it does something to the pudding so that it doesn't set up as well. Although it spent about six hours in the fridge, my vanilla layer never quite set.

Here's the other thing for me. I didn't like the two layers. When it comes to pudding, I want a really rich chocolate or a really strong vanilla. The vanilla didn't shine through enough. The overwhelming flavor was the chocolate, which to me sort of defeats the purpose. Ah well. Maybe I'll just try the vanilla part without using the processor and without the chocolate. I will say that the boy and the girl liked it a lot. They ended up stirring the chocolate and vanilla together, so it negated any layers anyway.

Here's dessert for the family.

Ready for a spoon....

As close to a "layered" shot as we got. No layers here.

Here's what the boy and girl ended up doing. The liquidity of the pudding did something to the ganache layer, so it was pretty soft as well.

Thank you Garrett of The Flavor of Vanilla for choosing the recipe this week.

12 comments:

betty geek said...

Oh well, you tried! And I admire your spirit! :)

I made banana pudding with chocolate, but I think the chocolate was too overpowering, it was better on its own.

Cakelaw said...

I am with you on that one - I re-rpocessed my thickened pudding and ended up with a beverage. Glad the kids liked it - their idea is spot on.

Megan said...

I've never used the food processor method, but I have heard that ir gave many people trouble.

I love what your children did to the puddings - too clever!

Welcome to our crazy blessed life said...

I thought mine was runny becasue I used 1% milk. ;)
Sorry this wasn't such a hit for you. Love the sprikles on top.

spike. said...

so frustrating that it didn't set. I'm guessing you'll stick with the chocolate pudding in the future!

mike said...

Wow - those looks quite delicious! Love the custard cup presentation - and how they swirl. I opted out of the Food Processor.. maybe THAT'S what my problem was. Nicely done!

Susan @ My Wholefood Family Essentials said...

I'm with you, didn't really like the layers or the soupyness. It does look pretty with the sprinkles though!

Tammy said...

so pleased I washed my food processor before the second step! Still looks yummy

Lainie said...

I'm going to have to try cooking pudding. I really am. I worry that once I do, though, I'll never go back to the boxed stuff. Kinda like with mac and cheese...

TeaLady said...

If it will make you feel better we had to use straws. Smoothie consistancy on top of ganache. Your kiddies had the right idea - stir and eat!

Kayte said...

Was out of town last week, so missed making this one, but wanted to check out yours and see what you came up with...sounds like it was a semi-hit: tasted good, presentation wasn't what you wanted. In my house, presentation is NOTHING if it tastes good...guys are like that! I think you would have had some takers here on that pudding of yours.

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