Happy Valentines Day: White Chocolate and Raspberry Pudding Parfaits

White chocolate and raspberry are a classic combination. The slightly tart but still sweet raspberry plays well off of the sweet mellow white chocolate. I love this combination for a pudding. I layered the flavors in dessert shooter glasses for a sweet looking parfait.  If you don’t have access to fresh raspberries you can use frozen for the raspberry layer; just thaw and drain the berries first.

H♥ppy V♥lentines D♥y!

White Chocolate Raspberry Pudding

yield: 4-6 servings

Raspberry Layer:

12 oz. fresh raspberries, rinsed and let dry (if using frozen; let berries thaw and drain first)

1/4 Cup granulated sugar

2 tsp. corn starch

1 tsp. water

1. In a small saucepan (2 Qt.) combine the raspberries and sugar over low heat and heat until sugar starts to dissolve. Increase the heat to medium and stir until berries until they break up and bring to a boil. Boil gently for 5 minutes.

2. Remove from the heat and with a rubber spatula press the berries through a fine mesh sieve placed over a small bowl. Scrape the bottom of the sieve to make sure you get the thickened puree into the bowl. Return the puree to the saucepan and begin to heat again over low heat. Meanwhile; stir together the corn starch and water in a small cup to form a slurry. Add the slurry to the pan and increase the heat to medium high and bring to a boil. Let the mixture boil until it becomes thick. Pour the mixture into a bowl and place a piece of plastic wrap over the surface and refrigerate until ready for assembly.

White Chocolate Pudding:

1/4 Cup granulated sugar

1 1/2 Tbsp. cornstarch

pinch of salt

1 Cup heavy cream

1 Cup milk

3 egg yolks, lightly beaten

3/4 tsp. vanilla

3 oz. white chocolate, finely chopped

1. In a heavy saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch and salt. Gradually add cream and milk. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly. Reduce heat; cook and stir with a wire whisk 2-3 minutes more or until thickened.

2. Remove from the heat. Stir about 3/4 Cup of the hot mixture into egg yolks; return to saucepan. Stirring constantly, bring to a gentle boil; cook and stir 2 minutes more. Remove from the heat; stir in vanilla and chocolate until melted. Place a piece of plastic wrap directly over surface of the pudding and chill in the refrigerator until ready ready for assembly.

For Assembly:

Alternate pudding and raspberry filling layer in decorative glasses. Serve chilled.