Valentine's Tradition: Triple Chocolate Pudding

Ach, Valentine's Day. For the men in couples, there's the pressure to dazzle. For the women, there's the kind of anticipation that can only be met with disappointment. I suppose that singles can relish the fact that we're neither of the above, but let's admit it: the day simply offers an opportunity to reflect on one's loneliness. I can handle that on my own, without a national freakin' holiday.

But ever eager to face the cold winter air with a warm, uncovered cheek, I began a tradition a few years ago, based on my own chronic tardiness, flying solo in February, and the autobiography of Julia Child.

You see, Ms. Child was a chronic tardy too, and we both find ourselves racked with guilt every Christmas when the cards pour in. We haven't sent. There's always next year, but somehow that's just a bit too late; you've already been crossed off other people's lists.

So Julia pulled an end run one year and started sending out Valentine's Day cards. Truth be told, do you really need to see another smiley happy picture of friends in front of the mantle with their adorable brood on December 20th? Or are you aching for the love of a friend during the dog days of winter? Julia and I saw far better bang for the buck with the latter, and the rest is history.

My handmade Valentine's Day card production facility goes into high gear at the end of January, and the cards are sent to arrive the Day of. Another benefit to the unconventional approach: the post office does not shut down on 2/14 as it does on 12/25. Cards arrive when needed most.

Some people like it; others think it's weird, but I can promise you this: in my circle of friends and colleagues, no one goes it alone on Valentine's Day. I have three widowed grandmothers (long story), single aunts and cousins, and not one of them goes without receiving a Valentine from someone who loves them with all they've got.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Decadent Triple Chocolate Pudding

Check out a video version of this recipe.

Makes 2 obnoxiously large portions (Makes 1 3/4 cups pudding)

This recipe won't fill you up, so you couples can enjoy then get on to your pre-planned Valentine's Day activities. Make it ahead and enjoyed it chilled, or enjoy it warm straight from the pot in front of the tube while watching last week's episode of Home Made Simple.

3 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons corn starch
Pinch salt
2 tablespoons cocoa
1 1/2 cups milk
2 egg yolks, lightly beaten
Generous 1/4 cup white chocolate chips
Generous 1/4 cup bittersweet chocolate chips
1/4 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/3 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon Kahlua or Baileys to flavor cream (optional)

1. In a medium saucepan, add sugar, corn starch, salt and cocoa and whisk to combine. Slowly whisk in milk and bring to a simmer.

2. Slowly whisk 1/3 of milk mixture to egg yolks, return yolk mixture to pot over low heat. Whisk together and heat until you see the first bubble. Turn off heat and whisk in chips until smooth.
3. Add vanilla and lemon juice; remove from heat and pour into serving cups. Cover with plastic wrap (to avoid “skin”; or leave the wrap off if the skin makes you happy). Let refrigerate until cool, about 1 hour. Or eat warm. No rules!!

4. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine cream and liquor, and whisk like mad until you’ve got whipped cream. Sweeten with sugar if you’d like; or not.

5. Top pudding with whipped cream and serve (or eat it all yourself). Yum.