Fresh Approach Cooking

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Peaches! (I mean you kids, not the ambrosial foodstuff) My recipe du jour is chocolate-cherry risotto rice pudding. Does that not just make your mind swirl? It should, because without a doubt it is the mostest yummiest chocolate dessert of all time. Dreamy , rich and creamy dark chocolate with softly cooked plump little grains of rice, mixed with a few choice bites of sweet, chewy, cherries. Everyone (even people who think rice pudding isn't their thing) loves this dessert. Nobody can resist it. It will rock your world. Are you in?








Now, its hardly noticeable in this particular forum, but I have been under a bit of a gloom cloud for the last few weeks (I know, I know, poor little me. LOL) and last night I was thrilled to bits and pieces when my dearest, kindest and bestest friend offered to come over and hang out on the big pink couch, sit through a Myrna Loy marathon and completely overdose on comfort food with me. Trust me when I say, it is a true friend indeed who is willing to throw all caution to the wind and eat with me when I'm in a funk. (That peaches, was my way of saying, this is no low cal dealio) I get so wrapped up in the idea, I end up setting out my version of the gluttons buffet. There was fried food, creamed food, carbs, starches, candies, nuts and chips. Heck, I even put out pate, olives, cotton candy and as a last minute addition, popcorn balls (in case there wasnt enough other food).

It is a rare occasion I would indulge at this level, but lets face it, its a really fun way to spend an evening. We ate and ate, and ate and ate, laughed and drank, and it was heaven. That is not to say that you should ever rollick in such reckless behavior, but if you are wanting to do something fun and try something different, this pudding alone is enough to loft up anyones spirits. Try it, and enjoy.


1 cup Aborio rice
2 cups water
pinch of salt
10 oz. dark chocolate, chopped (I used chocolate kisses and some cocoa nibs)
1/2 cup hot chocolate mix
2 cups whole milk
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup dried cherries
powdered sugar for garnish









2 days or at least 4 hours in advance make the rice. In a large sauce pan, add the rice, water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let steam for 15 minutes. Remove from heat, let sit, covered for 10 minutes. Put the rice in a bowl, fluff with a fork, and allow to cool completely.

In a large pan, heat the milk and cream with the cherries and hot chocolate mix over low heat. Add the rice and stir in the chocolate pieces, reserving a few for garnish. Allow to simmer over very low heat for 10 minutes. Remove from heat, allow to cool a bit. Garnish with a few chocolate bits, and sifted powdered sugar.

Makes enough for 6-8 people

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What? You didnt know Hershey made Dark Chocolate Kisses? Well in fact, yes, they do

Rich in bio-flavonoids and ellagic acid. Studies show cherries to be a good source of antioxidants and darker cherries will have higher levels than red/yellow ones

August is National Sandwich Month

Labels: Dessert