Chocolate Graham Pudding Parfaits

Good morning, and happy Friday!

I was bamboozled on what to post today. I opened my archives to look for a recipe to publish, only to find this was my inventory:

2- Recipe Redux's for upcoming months

3- Cinco de Mayo Recipes

1- brunch recipe that is better suited to the Kentucky Derby

5- dessert posts

8- posts that are not complete, still need work

I guess you can see what I decided to do. And wow, 8 recipes that still need work. I guess it's time to stop procrastinating and finish those posts. I see falling waaaaay behind in my future, especially with bringing a new puppy home. And I thought I was so far ahead. Tis' life :)

Let's talk Pudding Parfaits, shall we? Layers of graham cracker crumbs, alternated with layers of homemade chocolate pudding and whipped cream. So good. I almost thought of switching out the whipped cream layer for marshmallow fluff (hello, S'mores Parfaits!!) but in the end, I was craving whipped cream. Let me tell you, chocolate, graham, and cream make an excellent combination! I heart making whipped cream in my stand-mixer. So insanely fast and easy. 

And most importantly, delicious.

If you've never made homemade pudding before, don't sweat it too much. It's actually really easy, and the taste is so much better than buying it at the store. It's a pretty hand's off process, with much of the preparation time coming from the 4-hour chill after making it. Once you try it homemade, and see how easy it is, you'll never go back to buying it.

I found these cute little mason jars with brown striped tops at the dollar store-

I had to have em'! They were perfect for this dessert.

Well guys, the hubby is back. Yippee! He was really tired when he got home last night so we pretty much flopped on the couch, watched 2 episodes of "Mad Men", and then went to bed early. We are exciting, aren't we? Today will probably be all about resting for him, since he has to go into work tonight and work through Monday night. Poor kid, you would think they would give him a couple days off after that business trip. 

This is going to be a very long nightshift for me, since we are leaving to get the puppy on Tuesday morning. C'mon Tuesday! Get here quicker! 

And, if there's one thing to comfort me through this exhausting waiting game, it would be chocolate pudding. And graham crackers. And whipped cream :)

Have a great weekend everyone!

Ingredients (makes 2 parfaits):

Chocolate Pudding-

2 cups whole milk

1/2 cup sugar

1/3 cup cocoa powder

1 tbsp cornstarch

3 large egg yolks

2 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 tsp kosher salt

1 cup graham cracker crumbs

1 cup whipped cream

Directions:

1. Make the chocolate pudding- In a small pot, combine milk, sugar, and cocoa powder. Bring to a simmer, then remove from heat. In a separate small bowl, combine cornstarch, egg yolks, vanilla, and salt. Whisk to thoroughly combine. Slowly, and in small additions, begin to add the egg mixture to the milk mixture. Whisk constantly to temper the eggs. Once mixtures are combined, place pot back over heat. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to a simmer and continue to whisk until thickened, about 2-3 minutes. Pour pudding into a bowl and cover with plastic wrap, ensuring plastic is touching the top of the pudding. This will keep it from forming a skin. Chill in the fridge for 4 hours.

2. Start with a (2) pint size mason jars. At the bottom of one jar, layer 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs. Follow with 1/2 cup chocolate pudding. Follow with 1/2 cup whipped cream. Repeat layers. Repeat process for 2nd jar. Serve immediately!

Printable Recipe

Chocolate pudding recipe courtesy of Food Network.

If you liked this recipe, you may enjoy these:

Fresh Blueberry Curd Parfaits

Layered Strawberry Parfaits

Boozy Salted Caramel Milkshakes

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