| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 300 | 20g | 12g | 25g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 15g | 0g | 6g | 0.10g |
There’s no denying my deep-seated love for hearty, homemade meals – the ones synonymous with quality time with family, overflowing with nostalgia, perfected over generations. The aroma flowing through the kitchen as I prepare my grandparents’ favorite recipes often takes me back to my childhood in New Jersey. However, every so often, I like to deviate from my traditional Italian-American roster and introduce a palate-evocative dish that’s both nourishing and an absolute crowd-pleaser. Enter the exquisite Vanilla and Licorice Pudding.
The Fusion of Flavors
The Vanilla and Licorice Pudding isn’t churned from my Italian-American heritage. Instead, it’s an inspired pairing of flavors born from culinary curiosity. The creamy undertones of premium whole milk and heavy cream, combined with the distinctive tastes of pure vanilla and licorice extracts, make this recipe a harmonious symphony of flavors. And the pinnacle of this culinary masterpiece is the colorful fresh fruit topping, adding a fresh, zingy layer to each fruit-flavored spoonful!
Its taste profile is quite similar to that of a pots de crème, an indulgent French dessert known for its creamy texture and rich, luxurious taste.
Nutritional Offering
Moving beyond taste, let’s delve into the health benefits of this recipe. Apart from its sensory appeal, the vitamins and minerals that the fresh fruits bring to the equation cannot be overlooked. They contain key nutrients that support immune and digestive health. The dairy ingredients, rich in both calcium and protein, contribute to healthy bones and muscles. Moreover, the licorice extract, albeit used in moderation, has well-documented health benefits, including aiding digestive issues and soothing cold and irritation symptoms. On balance, this dish can contend on nutritional grounds too.
If you are looking to craft a multi-course menu, this pudding pairs well with lighter savory dishes. In my experience, it makes an excellent follow-up to a light, tangy shrimp scampi or a refreshing, greens-packed salad. And why stop there? Pair it with an off-dry sparkling wine to truly elevate your dining experience.
So there you have it – the reasons why I adore this Vanilla and Licorice Pudding recipe, and why it deserves a spot on your menu too. It’s not just the taste; it’s about reveling in an overall immersive culinary journey – from whipping it up, inhaling the comforting aroma of simmering milk, vanilla, and licorice, to finally indulging in this creamy, fruity delight.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of whole milk
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1/4 cup of sugar
- 1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped
- 1/2 teaspoon of licorice extract
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 5 large egg yolks
- 3 tablespoons of cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup of mixed fresh fruits, for topping
Method
Step One
Start by combining the whole milk and heavy cream in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir until it starts to steam, but do not let it boil.
Step Two
Add the sugar, vanilla bean seeds, licorice extract, and salt to the saucepan. Stir the mixture until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Step Three
In a separate bowl, thoroughly whisk together the egg yolks and cornstarch until the mixture becomes smooth.
Step Four
Gradually add a small amount of the hot milk mixture to the egg yolk mixture, while whisking consistently. Ensure to add only a small amount at a time to prevent the eggs from curdling. Once you have added about half of the milk mixture to the eggs, pour the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan.
Step Five
Cook over medium heat, stirring all the while until the mixture begins to thicken and coats the back of a spoon.
Step Six
Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the unsalted butter. Stir until the butter is fully melted and incorporated.
Step Seven
Cool the pudding for about five minutes, then transfer it to individual serving dishes. Press a sheet of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the pudding to prevent a skin from forming.
Step Eight
Refrigerate for at least three hours until the pudding is fully set.
Step Nine
Before serving, remove the plastic wrap and top each pudding with a generous portion of mixed fresh fruits. Enjoy your delicious Vanilla and Licorice Pudding.
