Mocha Meringue Pudding

Mocha Meringue Pudding Recipe - Rich and Creamy Dessert

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of Mocha Meringue Pudding with this delicious recipe. The combination of creamy rice pudding, milk chocolate, and a fluffy coffee-infused meringue is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

History

Mocha Meringue Pudding is a modern twist on traditional rice pudding, combining classic flavors with a coffee-infused meringue topping. This recipe is a delightful fusion of different culinary influences, creating a unique and delicious dessert.

Ingredients

3 cups of cooked rice
3.5 cups of low-fat milk, divided
0.67 cups of sugar, divided
0.5 tsp of salt
3 eggs, separated
1.5 tsp of vanilla extract, divided
4 x 1.55 oz (44 g) bars of milk chocolate, broken into squares
1 tbsp of instant coffee

How to prepare

Combine 3 cups of rice, 0.33 cups of sugar, and salt in a large saucepan.
Cook over medium heat for 20 to 25 minutes or until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy, stirring frequently.
In a small bowl, beat the egg yolks and the remaining 0.5 cup of milk.
Stir the egg yolk mixture into the rice mixture and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
Remove from heat.
Stir in 1 tsp of vanilla.
Spread the mixture into a buttered 9x9 inch baking pan.
Arrange the chocolate bars over the rice mixture.
In a medium bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
Add the remaining 0.33 cups of sugar, 1 tbsp at a time, for about 4 minutes or until stiff glossy peaks form.
Fold in the coffee and the remaining 0.5 tsp of vanilla.
Spread the mixture over the pudding.
Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
Serve warm.

Variations

For a caffeine-free version, you can omit the instant coffee from the meringue.
You can also experiment with different types of chocolate, such as dark or white chocolate, to change up the flavor profile of the pudding.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to stir the rice pudding mixture frequently while cooking to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

- When beating the egg whites for the meringue, make sure your bowl and beaters are clean and free of any grease to ensure the meringue whips up properly.

- For a richer flavor, you can use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate in this recipe.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Mocha Meringue Pudding warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Cooking Techniques

This recipe involves cooking the rice pudding on the stovetop and baking the meringue in the oven. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully to achieve the perfect texture and flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have instant coffee on hand, you can use espresso powder or omit it altogether for a more traditional meringue topping.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the rice pudding mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake the pudding with the meringue topping.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Mocha Meringue Pudding in individual ramekins for an elegant presentation, or spoon it into a large serving dish for a family-style dessert.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Mocha Meringue Pudding with a cup of hot coffee or espresso to enhance the mocha flavor of the dessert.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Mocha Meringue Pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Mocha Meringue Pudding contains approximately 280 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Mocha Meringue Pudding contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Mocha Meringue Pudding contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Mocha Meringue Pudding contains approximately 6 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Mocha Meringue Pudding is a good source of calcium, vitamin D, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (milk, eggs) and may contain gluten (from the rice). It is not suitable for those with dairy or egg allergies.

Summary

Mocha Meringue Pudding is a delicious dessert that is moderate in calories and provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

Summary

Mocha Meringue Pudding is a delightful dessert that combines the creamy richness of rice pudding with the indulgent flavors of milk chocolate and coffee-infused meringue. This recipe is sure to impress your family and friends with its unique and delicious taste.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a hot summer day, and I had just finished cleaning out my attic when I stumbled upon an old recipe book that belonged to my great-grandmother. As I flipped through the yellowed pages, my eyes landed on a recipe for Mocha Meringue Pudding.

I had never heard of such a dessert before, but the combination of coffee and meringue intrigued me. I could almost taste the rich, creamy pudding with a hint of coffee flavor and the light, airy meringue on top. I knew I had to give it a try.

I remember rushing downstairs to my kitchen, eager to recreate this forgotten recipe. I gathered all the ingredients I would need - eggs, sugar, cornstarch, milk, instant coffee, vanilla extract, and cocoa powder. As I measured out each ingredient with care, I felt a sense of nostalgia wash over me.

I could almost hear my great-grandmother's voice guiding me through the recipe, her hands deftly mixing and stirring as she passed down her culinary knowledge to me. She had learned this recipe from a dear friend who had traveled to Europe and brought back a treasure trove of recipes from her adventures.

As I prepared the pudding, the aroma of coffee and cocoa filled my kitchen, transporting me back to a time when life was simpler and the joy of cooking was shared among loved ones. The pudding thickened slowly on the stove, the mixture turning a deep, rich brown as the flavors melded together.

Once the pudding had thickened to the perfect consistency, I poured it into individual ramekins and set them aside to cool. Next, I whipped up the meringue, beating the egg whites and sugar until they formed stiff peaks. I dolloped the meringue on top of the pudding, creating little peaks with the back of a spoon.

I couldn't wait to taste the finished product. I carefully placed the ramekins in the oven and watched as the meringue turned a golden brown, the aroma of toasted sugar filling the air. When the timer finally chimed, I pulled the ramekins out of the oven, the meringue perfectly crisp on top.

I let the puddings cool for a few minutes before digging in. The first spoonful was pure bliss - the creamy pudding melting in my mouth, the meringue adding a light, sweet crunch. The coffee flavor was subtle but distinct, adding a depth of flavor to the dessert that I had never experienced before.

As I savored each bite, I felt a sense of pride and connection to my great-grandmother and all the women who had come before me, passing down their culinary wisdom through generations. This recipe for Mocha Meringue Pudding had become more than just a dessert - it was a link to my family's past, a reminder of the love and care that went into each dish.

And so, every time I make this pudding now, I do so with a heart full of gratitude and a soul filled with memories of those who came before me. The recipe may have come from a forgotten book in my attic, but the legacy of love and tradition it represents will live on in every bite.