Years ago I posted about how I like pudding. I like most kinds but especially chocolate, vanilla and rice pudding. The only flavor that doesn't appeal to me is butterscotch. I don't like the pudding cups because they taste horrible to my taste buds. Though convenient, they taste like chemicals. I used to make Avocado pudding but I don't always have an avocado to use. Here is that blogpost. https://www.thecabincountess.com/2017/08/avocado-chocolate-pudding.html
Although I make this avocado version once in a while, I usually make this microwave recipe. It is usually about 8:00pm, and I want chocolate. I will make this pudding in 10 minutes but then it is too hot to eat. I stick it in the freezer for a while until it's set and cool. It isn't as convenient as the pre-made pudding cups but it has no artificial ingredients and turns out perfect. If you want to sweeten it with honey, maple syrup or artificial sugar, I think it would turn out. I feel the strong taste of honey or maple syrup overrides the chocolate, so I use plain white sugar.
Microwave Chocolate Pudding
Mix together in a microwave bowl or as I do, a 8-cup Pyrex pitcher.
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup cocoa powder
2 Tablespoons cornstarch
A pinch of salt
When these dry ingredients are combined add 2 cups of milk (or non-dairy milk) and a teaspoon of vanilla. Mix well. I use the immersion blender but a spoon would be fine as long as it is completely blended.
Microwave on high for 3 minutes, stir well and microwave for another 3 minutes.
Just pour in dishes and put it in the refrigerator. It is ready when it is cool. This recipe makes 3 small dishes less than 1/2 cup each, but enough for a quick snack or desert.
Vanilla pudding is made the same way without the cocoa or last time I made it, I added two eggs. It was very good. It tasted more like custard. I also put a few chocolate chips on top for the fun of it. Whipped topping would taste good too.
Microwave Vanilla Pudding
Whisk together:
1/2 cup white sugar
2 Tablespoons cornstarch
Pinch of salt
Add:
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups of milk (I used 2% but whole milk would be even better or a non-dairy product)
2 beaten eggs
Mix everything very well and microwave for 3 minutes, stir and cook 3 more minutes.
Pour in dishes and cool.
I have written about my Rice Pudding before. There is a microwave version of that too, but I usually make this in the Instant Pot. https://www.thecabincountess.com/2013/10/rice-pudding.html
These are simple recipes and easy to make with common ingredients. Some people don't like and won't use a microwave. These recipes will work just as well in a saucepan, you just have to stir often to prevent scorching. It is a quick snack or pour the pudding in a prepared pie shell and have a piece of pie.
