The dreamiest chocolate dessert: chocolate budino

Are you a chocolate lover? Well, if so, I have a real treat for you: chocolate budino! It is a creamy, sweet and slightly salty. Budino is an Italian dessert that you will want to add to your rotation. If you are not currently a chocolate lover, this dessert might shake things up a bit. ;) The cold, smooth budino topped with airy hand-whipped cream is a dreamy dessert that will be well-loved by all. I suggest drizzling Olinda olive oil on top and folding it into the mixture right before chilling it. Olive oil will add a slight kick and earthiness, while the flaky sea salt will contribute a crunch and reinforce the chocolate flavor.

Serves 6-7

For budino:

8 ounces dark chocolate chips

1 pinch kosher salt

6 large egg yolks

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1 cup whole milk

1 1/4 cups heavy cream

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon olive oil

For whipped cream topping:

1 cup heavy cream

Pinch of kosher salt

Granulated sugar, to taste

Zest of 1/2 an orange

1 teaspoon Grand Marnier or other orange liquor

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Combine the egg yolks, sugar, milk, and cream. Whisk until well combined. Set a fine sieve over the bowl of reserved chocolate. Keep this bowl near you because you need it to strain the custard immediately after cooking it.

Place a pot on the stove over medium-low heat. Cook, stirring constantly with a spoon, until very hot and thick enough to coat the back of the spoon, about 5 minutes. An instant-read thermometer should read at least 175 degrees F (79 degrees C). Remove from the heat and quickly strain the custard sauce into the chocolate and let sit for 2 minutes. Whisk until chocolate has melted and custard sauce is smooth and shiny, about 2 minutes. Add vanilla and olive oil. Gently stir until well incorporated. Please stir gently, being careful not to create air bubbles.

Pour the warm custard into 6 serving glasses or ramekins. Cover and place in the refrigerator until completely chilled, at least 3 to 4 hours.

Using a whisk, combine cream, salt, sugar, orange zest, orange liquor and vanilla. Set in the refrigerator until ready to eat the budino!

At time of serving, garnish each budino with a dollop of whipped cream, flaky sea salt and a drizzle of olive oil, if you'd like.