deep dark chocolate pudding

Pudding ... I have a lot to say about pudding.  Who knew?  I never felt excited about making homemade pudding.  I always breezed past the page. I had the mason jars washed and on the counter and the Bean's love of pudding cups after lunch made me take the dive.  I am so glad I did.  It is like reliving a childhood memory in a completely decadent way.  This pudding is smooth, thick, creamy and so comforting.  The recipe states 4 servings but, I made 9 individual servings and I can't imagine having a larger portion.  This is such a great summer dessert to have on hand.  The creme fraiche whipped topping is so easy and perfectly balances this rich dessert.  The whipped creme fraiche is slightly sweet with a hint of tart.  As I was making the topping the baby was peering up at me.  She hardly ate anything for dinner which was odd. I have been holding to my no sweets until the first birthday but, her little face and big eyes broke me.  I told the hubby to give her a taste.  He put is finger in her mouth and I heard two squeals ... Cookie was squealing in delight and my husband was shrieking because he felt two teeth.  Finally teeth and two at the same time.  Both bottom ones are working their way to the surface just days before her first birthday.   Phew ... we were starting to worry we had a baby with no teeth.

deep dark chocolate pudding with whipped creme fraiche

Source: Sticky, Chewy, Messy, Gooey by: Jill O'Connor

Pudding:

6 large egg yolks

2 cups heavy cream

1/4 cup dutch processed cocoa

3/4 cup sugar

3 tbsp cornstarch

1/4 tsp salt

8 ounces semi sweet chocolate finely chopped

1 tsp vanilla extract

Whipped Creme Fraiche

1/2 cup creme fraiche

1 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup confectioners sugar