Ghostly Pumpkin Pudding Recipes

PUMPKIN PUDDING FROM SCRATCH

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan, whisk together 2 cups of the milk, the pumpkin puree (15 oz.), and the pumpkin pie spice mix (2 teaspoons). Heat on medium-low, whisking occasionally, until it begins to bubble gently.
• Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar (1 cup), cornstarch (1/4 cup), salt (1/4 teaspoon. Gradually add the remaining 1 cup of milk while whisking, making sure to smooth out any lumps of cornstarch before adding more. Add the egg yolks (4) and whisk to combine until everything is very smooth.
• Using a ladle, transfer about half of the hot pumpkin mixture to the sugar and egg mixture, gradually, whisking continuously. Continue whisking until it's a smooth mixture. Then, gradually transfer the mixture back into the saucepan, whisking continuously.
• Continue to cook over medium heat, whisking continuously, until it starts to bubble. Continue to cook and whisk constantly (it's a workout!) until the mixture has thickened (about 3-4 minutes). Remove the pan from heat and add the vanilla extract (1 teaspoon) and salted butter (2 tablespoons) and whisk/stir to combine until butter has melted.
• Transfer the pudding to individual serving dishes or a small-medium bowl. Press plastic wrap on the top to prevent a skin from forming, and refrigerate until cool (about 2 hours). Serve garnished with crumbled gingersnap cookies and whipped cream, if desired.

GHOSTLY PUMPKIN PUDDING

Steps:

• For pudding: Put 1 tablespoon of cold water in a large bowl. Sprinkle gelatin over the surface, do not stir, and set aside until gelatins softens and blooms
• Bring a few inches of water to a boil in a saucepan that can hold a stand mixer's bowl above the water. Whisk milk, sugar, yolks, cinnamon and salt in a heat-proof bowl. Set the bowl above the boiling water and cook, stirring constantly with a heat-proof spatula, until mixture begins to thicken and coats the back of a spoon and almost boils, 10 to 12 minutes. Immediately remove from the heat and pour over the gelatin, whisking constantly until gelatin is completely dissolved and evenly distributed. Whisk in pumpkin until combined and completely smooth.
• Evenly divide mixture into 12 small 3-ounce cups (paper works fine) and refrigerate until set, about 4 to 8 hours.
• For topping: Bring a few inches of water to a boil in a saucepan that can hold a stand mixer's bowl above the water. Whisk the 2 egg whites, sugar, cream of tarter, and salt in the bowl by hand. Set the bowl above the boiling water and continue whisking until the mixture is hot to the touch and the sugar dissolves, about 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer bowl to mixer and beat with the whisk attachment at medium-high speed until eggs hold a stiff peak, about 5 minutes.
• Spoon topping onto puddings in the shape of a ghost. Decorate with candy eyes and refrigerate until ready to serve.