Smore's Pudding

Yield: 6 puddingsIngredients:For the graham cracker layer:
4½ whole graham crackers (5 x 2½ inch rectangles), coarsely crumbled
2 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
1 tbsp. sugar
Dash of ground cinnamon

For the chocolate pudding:
1 cup sugar
3 tbsp. cornstarch
2 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
Pinch of salt
3 large egg yolks
2 cups whole milk
½ cup heavy cream
8 oz. bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
1 tbsp. unsalted butter
1 tsp. vanilla extract

For the marshmallow topping:
2 large egg whites
1 cup sugar
¼ cup water
2 tbsp. light corn syrup
1¼ tsp. vanilla extract

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 300˚ F.  Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper.  To make the graham cracker layer, combine the crumbled graham crackers, butter, sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.  Toss with a fork to blend.  Spread the mixture in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet.  Bake until crisp, stirring once during baking, about 10 minutes.

To make the pudding, combine the sugar, cornstarch, cocoa powder, and salt in a medium saucepan.  Add the egg yolks and whisk to blend.  Gradually whisk in the milk and the cream.  Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil.  Allow to boil for 30 seconds.  Remove from the heat and stir in the chocolate, butter and vanilla; whisk until the chocolate and butter are completely melted and the mixture is smooth.  Let the pudding cool slightly, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes.

Spoon 1/3 cup of the pudding into each of 6 serving dishes.  Sprinkle each with some of the graham cracker mixture, dividing evenly between the dishes.  Top each with 1/3 cup more of the pudding mixture.  Cover each with plastic wrap directly on the surface of the pudding.  Chill for at least two hours.

To make the marshmallow mixture, combine all ingredients in the mixer.  Set the bowl over a pan of simmering water and heat, whisking frequently, until an instant-read thermometer registers 160˚ F.   whip on high speed until the marshmallow mixture forms stiff peaks.  Spoon or pipe the marshmallow mixture over the top of the chilled puddings.  Place in the oven under the broiler, watch closely as this will burn easily, when the marshmallows are golden brown remove from the oven. Garnish with crushed graham crackers on top