Decadent Chocolate Pudding Delight

1Prepare the Chocolate Pudding Mixture In a medium saucepan, combine milk (2 cups), half-and-half (1 cup), heavy cream (1 cup), white sugar (1 cup), cocoa powder (½ cup), espresso powder (1 tablespoon), and a pinch of salt (Pinch). Heat over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture steams but does not boil.

2In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks (6 large), eggs (2 large), 10x sugar (1 cup), and cornstarch (¼ cup) until smooth.

3Slowly pour the hot milk (2 cups) mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to combine.

4Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and add water (1 cup). Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the pudding thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.

5Incorporate the Chocolate Remove the saucepan from heat and add semisweet chocolate, (4 ounces) bittersweet chocolate, (4 ounces) unsweetened chocolate, (2 ounces) butter (2 tablespoons), and vanilla extract (1 teaspoon). Stir until the chocolate and butter (2 tablespoons) are melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy.

6Chill and Serve Pour the pudding into individual serving dishes and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set. Serve chilled and garnish with whipped cream or chocolate shavings, if desired.