Last week, we feasted on a selection of delicious cheeses Mahir and Vera brought back from their trip to Amsterdam. These two generous friends not only shared their cheese but also fed me with incredible side dishes and cocktails. While Mahir was busy preparing us Mojitos, Vera was arranging the side dishes on her grand collection of antique plates – handpicked from flea markets around the world.
Brie with chives, cumin Gouda, Camembert, Parmigiano Reggiano and Oude were some of the cheeses we tasted alongside Vera’s roasted vegetables, tapenade, some other cold cuts and finally the dessert I prepared for the occasion: Dulce de Leche and Chocolate Pudding.
Here are some snaps from dinner:
Most of the plates you see in the photos are from Vera’s recent trip to Antwerp. She strongly recommends the flea markets of Antwerp for antique tableware enthusiasts.
Mojito crime scene:
I had my eye on Smitten Kitchen’s Silky Chocolate Pudding recipe for quite a while. It is a very simple chocolate pudding recipe, which turned out silky as promised and full of chocolate flavor. I adapted it slightly for the occasion and replaced a cup of the milk with Dulce de Leche. It added a nice subtle caramel flavor to the pudding.
I prepared the Dulce de Leche following David’s instructions (click here). Next time, I am going to prepare the Mexican version (called cajeta) from scratch. Homesick Texan has a wonderful recipe here and both she and David report that it is much more delicious.
Oh, and a strong cup of coffee to finish it all up!
Dulce de Leche and Chocolate Pudding
Recipe adapted from Smitten Kitchen’s Silky Chocolate Pudding recipe
Serves 6
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 cups whole milk
- 7 ounces bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
- 1 + 2/3 cups Dulce de Leche (check out David’s instructions and recipe here)
Method
- Combine the cornstarch and sugar in a large heatproof mixing bowl.
- Slowly whisk in the milk and place the bowl over gently simmering water and stir occasionally, scraping the bottom and sides.
- After the mixture thickens (about 20 minutes) , add 6 ounces of chocolate and continue stirring until the pudding is smooth and thickened (about 5 minutes).
- Remove from the heat and stir in 1 cup of Dulce de Leche.
- Strain through a fine-mesh strainer into your serving bowls and let cool until the puddings reach room temperature.
- Top with a tablespoon of Dulce de Leche and chopped chocolate.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 1 hour prior to serving.
hi, came across ur blog in jaden’s blog…gorgeous pictures. gorgeous antiques…i love em
so, do u really want an online stalker? any opening for the position? how do i apply? *grin*
Thank you Rita! And yes, I wish I had one. Auditioning started just now! There are no specific guidelines. Go crazy!
Cenk, very nice – makes me wish I had been invited 🙂 I love the dinner pics.
Nice photos and colours, Cenk. Must have been an intimate evening. Some very interesting spoons. What is that in the picture right after the tapenade?
Çok güzel!
🙂
Sara – Thank you!
Helen – Thanks! It is a silver ladle, with curving rims, which makes it very easy to pour the sauce.
Judith – Teşekkürler!
Holy Moly! Dulce de Leche AND Chocolate Pudding together? That sounds so good, I don’t think I could stand it!!!
I was wondering what to do with that half-jar of dulce de leche I had in my fridge. I’d love to make some of this pudding, but I’d need someone to clean up afterwards. Is that offer still good?
Great pictures of your dinner party and that pudding looks so good. I like the dulce de leche touch.
David – Yes! Yes, that offer is still good!! And that freezer of yours needs a thorough clean-up as well!
Such amazing photos – although the pudding looks decadent, my eyes focused on the mojitos and cheeses 🙂
that party looked like a good time! Between the mojitos and the pudding and brie, I am itching out host my own dinner party now.
Gorgeous photos and writing as usual, and ultra delicious looking pudding! Cant believe you did the dulce de leche from scratch!!!
What a lovely dinner party! Well, mojito and cheese party…which is even better 😉 I love the way you photos captured the vibe…and your friend’s gorgeous plates!
Of course, the pudding sounds and looks divine!
that is some really neat looking crockery. Seems like you had a wonderful evening. Love the soft light in all your pictures.
I am so going to be making this pud! (After I have prised my tongue off the screen).
The cheeses look delcious too.
Jeez, I think this post was food porn. That looks fantastic! And dessert, oh man…
There’s nothing like fine food, drink and the comfort and laughter of friends. Sounds like you all had a great time.
What a beautiful blog – and lovely pictures. Glad to have found it. This recipe looks DIVINE. Chocolate is a very weak spot of mine. Maybe after my post-Easter pig out occurs, I’ll go to the gym a bit and then make this!
amy @ http://www.weareneverfull.com
Hello, I just found your delicious blog! And as soon as I finish all I already baked for Easter will start with this Dulce de Leche and chocolate pudding recipe – two of my favorites!
I’ve had my eyes too on SK’s Silken pudding! looks like you enjoyed the two delights a lot Cenk!:)
This is exactly what I was looking for for my dinner party tomorrow night. Thank you!!
Cenk, I made this recipe today and it is AMAZING!! Perfect combination; chocolate and caramel.. It seems like will be my favorite dessert for a while… Thanks for the recipe… I am so happy that I gave it a try 🙂