Recipe of the Month

As we get closer and closer to Christmas, I get excited for many things. But at the top of my list are eggnog and peppermint ice cream! I totally understand that food is seasonal, especially fruit. But it seems so silly to me that peppermint ice cream can't just be on the shelves all year. My favorite way to eat peppermint ice cream is with chocolate pudding. This month's recipe is for homemade chocolate pudding mix. It's the best chocolate pudding ever!

Chocolate Pudding Mix

1 1/2 cups + 2 tbsp baking cocoa
3 1/4 cups white sugar
1 1/3 cups corn starch
1/2 tsp salt

Combine all ingredients with a fork or wire whisk. Store in airtight container. To make pudding:

1 cup of above mix
1/3 cup powdered milk
2 cups cold water
3/4 cup regular milk

Whisk together pudding mix and powdered milk. Mix water and regular milk and gradually add to powdered ingredients. Cook in a fairly large pan on medium until boiling. It doesn't have to be a rolling boil, but you want it to be more than just a bubble now and then. Pudding should have started to thicken. It will continue to thicken as it cools.

When your pudding is thick but still warm, dish up a scoop or two of peppermint ice cream and top with a healthy dose of chocolate pudding. Now, sit down, cozy up with the fam and watch Ralphie! The holidays are almost here!