Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup Empress tree flowers, dried
- 4 cups milk
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 4 egg yolks
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Whipped cream, for serving
- Fresh Empress tree flowers, for garnish
Special equipment needed:
- Fine mesh strainer
- Large saucepan
- Whisk
- Mixing bowls
- Serving dishes
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Rinse the dried Empress tree flowers under cold water and pat dry.
2. In a large saucepan, combine the Empress tree flowers and milk. Heat over medium heat until the milk begins to steam, but do not let it boil.
3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture steep for 30 minutes.
4. Strain the milk mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a clean saucepan.
5. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
6. Add the egg yolks to the dry ingredients and whisk until smooth.
7. Gradually add the egg yolk mixture to the milk mixture, whisking constantly.
8. Cook the mixture over medium heat, whisking constantly, until it thickens and comes to a boil.
9. Reduce the heat to low and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
10. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
11. Pour the pudding into serving dishes and let it cool to room temperature.
12. Cover the dishes with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until set.
13. Serve the pudding topped with whipped cream and fresh Empress tree flowers for garnish.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Temperature:
Medium heat
Serving size:
Makes 6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 366
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 63g
Protein: 8g
Sodium: 200mg
Sugar: 51g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Empress tree flowers can be substituted with lavender flowers or rose petals.
- Cornstarch can be substituted with arrowroot powder or tapioca starch.
Variations:
- Add 1/4 cup of Empress tree honey to the pudding mixture for a sweeter flavor.
- Top the pudding with sliced strawberries or raspberries for a fruity twist.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to strain the milk mixture to remove any bits of Empress tree flowers.
- Whisk the pudding mixture constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Let the pudding cool to room temperature before refrigerating to prevent condensation from forming on the plastic wrap.
Storage instructions:
Cover the pudding with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the pudding in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the pudding in clear glass dishes to show off the layers of creamy pudding and delicate Empress tree flowers.
Garnishes:
Top the pudding with whipped cream and fresh Empress tree flowers for a beautiful and fragrant garnish.
Pairings:
Serve the pudding with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy and comforting dessert.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve the pudding with a side of fresh fruit or a small cookie for a sweet treat.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the pudding is too thick, add a splash of milk to thin it out.
- If the pudding is too thin, whisk in a bit more cornstarch.
Food safety advice:
Be sure to rinse the Empress tree flowers thoroughly before using them in the recipe.
Food history:
The Empress tree, also known as the Royal Empress tree, is native to China and has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. The tree's flowers have a delicate, sweet aroma and are often used in teas and desserts.
Flavor profiles:
The Empress tree pudding has a creamy, vanilla flavor with a subtle floral note from the Empress tree flowers.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the Empress tree pudding as a dessert after a light meal or as a sweet treat any time of day.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: N/A