Is there anything better than chocolate? I consider myself a chocoholic and even just a small piece can keep me sated and make me happy. I recently was taking stock of my pantry and was delighted to find a box of Jell-o Chocolate Pudding. I was of course delighted, now I just had to decide how best to utilize this yummy treat. That’s when I decided I would make a Pavé. A Pavé is a Brazilian layered cake dessert, of pudding and crackers. I’ve made this throughout most of my childhood and some days you want to go back to the simpler days.

Recipe:

• 1 box – Crackers (I used graham crackers, but you can also use soda crackers)
• 1 box – Instant Pudding mix (any flavour you prefer or you can alternate laters with complimentary flavours. I sometimes like banana pudding layered between chocolate)
• 1 1/2 cup – Whipping cream (you can use coconut cream if vegetarian)
• 1 tablespoon optional – Confectioners sugar to taste
• Cocoa powder topping
• 1 – 8×8 pyrex dish – (you can use any dish you prefer and size. The bigger the dish the less layers, the smaller the dish the more layers)

Directions:

As per the directions on the pudding box, mix the pudding, if vegetarian you can use almond, coconut or soy milk, if you’re using almond, coconut or soy milk, consider using less liquid as they tend to be a bit more “watery” than cow’s milk. Refrigerate the pudding while working on the cream. Whip cream until stiff peaks form, add a tablespoon of confectioners sugar to sweeten the whipped cream. I tend to either skip the sugar or I add minimal amounts of sugar (1 tablespoon). Once whipped, you can be creative and add Bailey’s, Kahlua, Godiva Chocolate Liquer, or any other liquer of your choice or omit the liquer altogether (I added Bailey’s to mine). Once the pudding has set in the refrigerator and the cream has been whipped, fold half the cream into the pudding. Layer the crackers on the base of the dish, then layer the pudding. Keep alternating the crackers with the pudding until your final layer of crackers then add the final layer of cream. Top with cocoa powder or if you prefer, strawberries, raspberries, sliced banana. It’s really up to you what you feel like. Refrigerate until the crackers have softened (approximately 4 hours). It’s messy, but it’s delicious and sometimes it’s too good to wait for a photo. Enjoy.

Chrissie xo