Dark Mocha Pudding Recipe

DIRECTIONS

1. Place 1 3/4 cups of the coconut milk in a sauce pan with the heavy cream, salt and granular sugar substitutes.  Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
2. While the milk is heating, whisk the egg yolks with the remaining 1/4 cup coconut milk and instant coffee.  Once the milk mixture is hot pour a steady stream in the egg yolks while whisking to temper them.  Once all the milk has been incorporated pour the mixture back into the sauce pan over medium heat.  While it is heating back up, quickly whisk together the cocoa powder and Thick-It-Up in a small bowl then whisk it into the milk and egg mixture.  Cook and stir pudding continuously to be sure the egg does not curdle. Cook until it begins to thicken (mixture will still be slightly runny); about 2-3 minutes.  Do not allow pudding to boil.  Take off the heat once thickened; about 3-5 minutes.
3. Melt the chocolate with the butter in small bowl in a microwave at 30 second intervals.  Do not overheat.  Stir to blend and then scrape into the hot pudding stirring to blend completely.  Remove from heat.  
4. Cool quickly over an ice water bath; place plastic wrap on the surface to prevent a skin from forming.  Once cooled place in the refrigerator to continue cooling or immediately dish into serving bowls, top with whipped cream if desired and serve.  Makes 2 2/3 cups.  Each serving is 1/3 cup.  This pudding is very rich, consider serving it in a small glass dish layered with whipped cream.