Recipe: Rich, Easy, Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pudding

RICH, EASY, OLD-FASHIONED CHOCOLATE PUDDING

2 cups fat-free half-and-half, divided use
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 (11 1/2 ounce) package Ghirardelli 60% cocoa bittersweet chocolate chips
3 ounces amaretto (or rum)

In a medium saucepan, stir together 1 cup half-and-half and cornstarch until smooth. Add remaining half-and-half. Over low heat, bring to a simmer, stirring constantly to prevent sticking. Remove from heat.

Put chocolate and amaretto (or rum) in a small bowl; microwave on high 20 seconds. Stir until chocolate chips are mostly melted.

Return milk to low heat. Add chocolate and stir continuously, scraping pan, until thick. Cool.

Serve pudding chilled or at room temperature.

Makes 3 cups (12 servings, 1/4 cup each)

Per 1/4 cup serving: 256 calories, 4 g protein, 30 g carbohydrates, 12 g fat (7 g saturated), 8 mg cholesterol, 3 g fiber, 43 mg sodium

Source: Eat Smart by Jean Carper, October 12, 2006