Thanksgiving Recipes (3 of 4)

Regardless of where we spend Thanksgiving, there must be dessert. My mother would come back and haunt me for the rest of my days if I didn't. As it is, I am risking her wrath by not having a huge crowd for Thanksgiving Dinner.

Here's a dessert that looks easy enough that it could be made at a condo at the beach.

Café Au Lait Puddings
Gourmet | November 2009

Fans of milky coffee will go crazy for these softly set little puddings adorned with whipped cream. Use decaffeinated instant coffee granules if you will be serving them to children or caffeine-wary adults.

Yield: Makes 4 servings
Active Time: 15 min
Total Time: 45 min

Ingredients

• 2 cups whole milk
• 3 tablespoons instant coffee granules
• 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoon sugar, divided
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Cinnamon for sprinkling
  

Equipment: 4 (4-to 5-ounces) cups or ramekins

Preparation
Whisk together milk, coffee granules, cornstarch, 1/4 cup sugar, and a small pinch of salt in a heavy medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally, then boil 1 minute, stirring constantly. Transfer to a metal bowl set in an ice bath and cool, stirring often, about 10 minutes. Pour into cups or ramekins and chill, uncovered, 20 minutes.

Beat cream with vanilla and remaining 2 tablespoon sugar using an electric mixer just until soft peaks form. Spoon whipped cream onto puddings and dust cream lightly with cinnamon.