Root Beer Pudding
Malcolm Livingston II, a pastry chef, shared this recipe. The inspiration was to create a dessert that captured the essence of root beer. Finding the right root beer and achieving the desired texture were key challenges, resulting in a pudding described as a "solidified root beer float." The recipe involves making a root beer pudding, smoked cashew nougatine, and whipped cream, then assembling the dessert in glasses.
Malcolm Livingston II, a pastry chef, shared this recipe. The inspiration was to create a dessert that captured the essence of root beer. Finding the right root beer and achieving the desired texture were key challenges, resulting in a pudding described as a "solidified root beer float." The recipe involves making a root beer pudding, smoked cashew nougatine, and whipped cream, then assembling the dessert in glasses.
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 large egg yolks
- 3 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup root beer candies (about 14 candies total)*
- 2 tablespoons nonfat milk powder*
- 2/3 cup root beer soda
- nonstick vegetable-oil spray
- 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/4 cup glucose syrup*
- 7 ounces raw or roasted unsalted cashews
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked or kosher salt
- equipment: commercial blender, such as a vitamix vita-prep; robot coupe or food processor; heatproof rubber spatula; large rimmed baking sheet; nonstick baking mat, such as a silpat; stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment; 4 chilled glasses for serving
- Carbohydrate 112 g(37%)
- Cholesterol 207 mg(69%)
- Fat 64 g(99%)
- Fiber 4 g(16%)
- Protein 15 g(29%)
- Saturated Fat 27 g(133%)
- Sodium 371 mg(15%)
- Calories 1030
Step-by-step
- Make the Root Beer Pudding: In a commercial blender, grind 1/2 cup root beer candies, milk powder, cornstarch, and salt into a powder. In a medium saucepan, simmer whole milk and root beer soda. Carefully add the hot mixture to the powder in the blender and process for 1 minute. Add butter and egg yolks, then blend until smooth. Pour the pudding back into the saucepan, cook, whisking vigorously, until thick. Cool to room temperature, refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Make the Smoked Cashew Nougatine: Spray a spatula with nonstick oil. Line a baking sheet. In a saucepan, simmer sugar, glucose syrup, and water until caramel-colored. Add butter, cashews, and salt; stir until cashews are coated. Pour onto the baking sheet, spread thinly, and cool. Once cool, grind into a coarse powder.
- For the whipped cream: Beat cream and sugar until medium peaks form.
- To serve: Crush the remaining root beer candies. Divide the pudding among glasses. Dollop with whipped cream and garnish with nougatine and crushed candies.
A Solidified Root Beer Float: My Root Beer Pudding Adventure
As a busy professional woman, juggling a demanding career and a social life, I'm always on the lookout for unique and delicious desserts that don't require hours of slaving over a hot stove. When I stumbled upon this Root Beer Pudding recipe, I knew I had to try it. The idea of a dessert that tasted like my favorite childhood soda intrigued me. Let me tell you, the experience was far more than just a simple recipe; it was a journey of flavors and textures, a culinary adventure in my own kitchen.
The recipe itself was a bit challenging, mainly because of the unusual ingredients and the use of a commercial blender. While I may not have a Vita-Prep sitting on my countertop, my regular high-powered blender did a surprisingly good job. The first hurdle was sourcing the ingredients. Finding root beer candies and glucose syrup required a bit of a hunt, but the internet came to the rescue. Online ordering saved the day, and soon, I had all the necessary components. The process of creating the root beer pudding was fascinating. Watching the ingredients transform from individual components into a smooth, creamy mixture was magical. The nougatine, a delightful crunchy element, added a nice textural contrast, enhancing the overall sensory experience.
The end result was a pudding that was absolutely heavenly. The creamy, root beer-infused base was wonderfully complemented by the crunchy cashew nougatine and the satisfying crunch of the crushed candies. Each spoonful was a symphony of sweet and slightly spicy flavors, a perfect blend of nostalgia and innovation. The texture was unique, not quite a jelly, not quite a mousse, but something entirely new and satisfying. It was a dessert that surpassed my expectations, proving that sometimes the most unusual combinations yield the most delicious results.
This isn't just a dessert; it's a testament to the power of experimentation in the kitchen. It's a reminder that even the most seemingly odd ingredients can be transformed into something extraordinary. It's a lesson in embracing challenges and celebrating the unexpected. The time and effort were certainly worth it, and this recipe has now become a cherished addition to my repertoire of impressive desserts. I highly recommend trying this recipe; it's a guaranteed conversation starter and a dessert that will leave a lasting impression on your taste buds.
Tips for Success:
- Don't be afraid to experiment with different brands of root beer soda and candies to find your perfect flavor combination.
- If you don't have a commercial blender, a high-powered home blender will work, just make sure to process the ingredients gradually to avoid overloading the motor.
- Make the nougatine and pudding ahead of time to save yourself some stress on the day you want to serve the dessert.
- Don't hesitate to adjust the sweetness level to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet dessert, you can reduce the amount of sugar used.
- Get creative with your presentation! Use fun glasses or bowls to make the dessert even more visually appealing.
Making this root beer pudding was an adventure, a testament to the rewarding nature of challenging yourself in the kitchen. It’s a unique recipe that goes beyond a simple dessert; it's an experience, a journey of flavor, texture, and unexpected delight. The time spent was well worth the reward, and the satisfied smiles of my guests made it all worthwhile. Give it a try, and I promise you won't be disappointed.
