Mocha Pudding Parfaits

Do you guys remember that kid dessert we all used to eat, worms in dirt?! I seriously loved that when I was little so I wanted to try and recreate an adult version! I got inspired by another food blog account I follow called @husbandsthatcook, and after creating this decadent treat there is no going back to the kid version. I paired these killer cups with a delicious red berry driven Tawny Port at one of my recent dinner parties and it truly stole the show. These are perfect make ahead desserts so no stress!

Ingredients for the Pudding:

• 1/4 cup cornstarch

• 1/3 granulated sugar

• 3 tbs unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1 1/2 tsp instant coffee crystals

• 3 cups of milk or non dairy milk

• 4 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate chopped

• 1 ounce unsweetened chocolate chopped

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Ingredients for the Whipped Cream:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

• 1 tbs granulated sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 3 Oreos per parfait, chopped

• Chocolate curls for decoration

• Mint and rasberries for decoration

Steps for the Pudding:

1. In at least a 2-quart saucepan whisk together the corn starch, sugar, cocoa, salt, and coffee crystals until evenly blended

2. While whisking slowing add in 1/2 cup of the milk, and continue whisking until a smooth paste forms

3. Slowing add the remaining milk while whisking

4. Place the pan over medium heat and bring it to a boil while whisking constantly to prevent burning the chocolate

5. After you reach a boil turn back to a simmer for 2 minutes still whisking constantly

6. Remove from sauce pan heat and still in the chopped chocolate and vanilla extract

7. Whisk until smooth

8. Pour the pudding mixture into a heat proof bowl and cover with plastic, making sure to press the plastic to the surface of the pudding

9. Put in fridge until chilled at least 2 hours or up to overnight

Steps for Whipped Cream:

1. Put your mixing bowl and beater in the freezer for a few minutes to pre chill them

2. After, pour the cream, sugar, and vanilla extract into the chilled bowl

3. Beat on high speed until it holds a stiff peak when the beater is lifted

4. For assembling, place 3 Oreos in the bottom of the serving dish, add a generous layer of pudding, then top with the homemade whipping cream

5. Garnish each cup with chopped cookies, chocolate curls and mint leaves!

TIP: To make chocolate curls a vegetable peeler works fantastic!