Ingredients:
- cups Whole Milk
- /2 cup Granulated Sugar
- /2 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- /4 cup Cornstarch
- /8 tsp Salt
- large Egg Yolks
- tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- oz Cream Cheese, softened
- 1/2 cups Powdered Sugar, sifted
- tablespoons Unsalted Butter, softened
- teaspoon Lime or Lemon Zest
- /2 teaspoon Lime or Almond Extract
- Green Food Colouring (Gel)
- Oreo Cookies, finely crushed
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dry Base: In the medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt until no lumps remain.
- Temper the Eggs: Whisk the egg yolks into the dry ingredients until a thick paste forms. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth.
- Cook the Pudding: Heat the mixture over medium heat, whisking constantly. Bring to a simmer. Cook for 1-2 minutes after it thickens significantly (it should coat the back of a spoon thickly). Remove from heat immediately.
- Finish the Pudding: Stir in the butter and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy.
- Chill: Pour the hot pudding evenly into the 6 serving cups. Cover the surface directly with plastic wrap (to prevent a skin forming) and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, until firm.
- Make the Brain Topping: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Gradually beat in the sifted powdered sugar. Mix in the zest and extract.
- Colour the Topping: Add green food colouring drop by drop until a sickly, vibrant green is achieved.
- Assemble the 'Brains': Pipe or spoon the green frosting onto the chilled pudding layers. Use the back of a spoon or a small knife to gently score ridges into the frosting to mimic brain texture.
- Garnish and Serve: Lightly crush the Oreos. Sprinkle the crushed cookies around the edges of the topping, mimicking disturbed grave dirt. Serve chilled.