CHOCOLATE-HAZELNUT PUDDING

Chocolate-Hazelnut Pudding image

Yield Serves 6

Number Of Ingredients 11

1/3 cup sugar
4 large egg yolks
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups half and half
5 ounces bittersweet (not unsweetened) or semisweet chocolate, chopped
3 tablespoons Frangelico (hazelnut liqueur) or amaretto
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup hazelnuts, toasted, chopped
Unsweetened whipped cream (optional)
6 crisp ladyfingers

Steps:

Whisk sugar, egg yolks, cornstarch and salt in large bowl to blend. Gradually whisk in 3/4 cup half and half.
Bring 1 1/4 cups half and half to simmer in heavy medium saucepan. Gradually whisk hot half and half into egg mixture; return mixture to saucepan. Whisk over medium-low heat until pudding thickens and comes to boil, about 5 minutes. Boil 1 minute longer, whisking constantly.
Remove pudding from heat. Add chocolate, Frangelico and vanilla; whisk until chocolate melts and pudding is smooth. Divide among six 3/4-cup custard cups. Sprinkle hazelnuts over puddings. Refrigerate until cold, about 2 hours. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover; keep chilled.)
Spoon whipped cream atop puddings, if desired. Serve with ladyfingers.