Name: Silvia Maulini
Class Year: 1980
Country of Residence: The Netherlands
Why is this recipe great? What’s its backstory?
Organizing a festive dinner, whether it is for two or for a crowd, requires good planning skills and I strongly believe that any dish that can be prepared in advance is a blessing. This chocolate pudding originates from my native region in northern Italy and I have served it at small family gatherings and at large dinner parties with more than 25 guests. It is cost-effective, low-fat and super easy and it looks and tastes amazing. If cooking for a crowd you can use disposable foil baking moulds, which considerably reduce post party stress disorder.
Bônet
Serves 6. Takes approx. 20 minutes + 35 minutes in the oven + cooling time
Ingredients:
500 cl milk (you can use whole or semi-skimmed milk)
6-8 amaretti cookies + some for decoration
4 eggs
150 gr sugar + 4-5 tablespoons for the caramel
3 tablespoons of dark rum
30 gr of dark cocoa powder
¼ cup of strongly brewed espresso
Instructions:
Put 4 to 5 tablespoons of sugar in a small pan and cook at a low heat until you have a nice golden caramel. Pour the caramel in 6 small fire-proof remekins, making sure the the bottom of the ramekins is evenly coated. Set aside.
Heat up the milk in a small saucepan and then let it cool slightly. Grind the amaretti in a blender or in a mortar and then add them to the milk. Beat the eggs and the sugar in a large bowl with a mixer until they are light and fluffy, but not too long. Add the milk/amaretti mix to the eggs, as well the rum, cocoa powder and the coffee. Mix well.
Pour the mix in the caramel coated ramekins and bake them “au bain-marie” in the oven for ca. 35 minutes. Let the puddings cool completely before putting them in the fridge for at least 3-4 hours. The puddings taste even better the day after. Before serving quickly dip the ramekins in warm water and then invert on a small serving plate. Decorate with ground amaretti or a dash of whipped cream.
Source:
Family recipe – many similar versions are available on the internet
