Recipe: Fast Easy Creamy Chocolate Tarts

From Denny: Scouting around on the web, I was looking for something simple, easy and quick to make yet still get that full chocolate flavor. This simple recipe came from Hershey's Chocolate but you could use a better grade of your favorite chocolate if you prefer.

Also, found some other goodies on their site I'll be trying out this weekend when I have time to bake. I've used their recipes for years and have enjoyed every one of them! This recipe really does not involve baking at all and is perfect for a busy parent. You could also enjoy this recipe as a cooking project with your kids!

Hershey's Creamy Chocolate Tarts

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

2/3 cup HERSHEY'S SPECIAL DARK Chocolate Chips or HERSHEY'S Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
1/4 cup milk
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup cold whipping cream
6 (4 oz. pkg.) single serve graham cracker crumb crusts
Sweetened whipped cream
Sliced fresh fruit or maraschino cherries or chilled cherry pie filling or fresh mint

Directions:

1. Place chocolate chips, milk and sugar in small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at HIGH (100%) 1 minute or until milk is hot and chips melt when stirred. With wire whisk or rotary beater, beat until mixture is smooth; stir in vanilla. Cool to room temperature.

2. Beat whipping cream until stiff; carefully fold chocolate mixture into whipped cream until blended. Spoon or pipe into crusts. Cover; refrigerate until set. Top with sweetened whipped cream. Garnish as desired.

Recipe: Hot Fudge Coconut Pudding

From Denny: We all know and love the folks over at the Hershey's Chocolate kitchens! As a child I learned to bake from their simple recipes and have been loving chocolate ever since. Are you as big a fan of chocolate and coconut as I am? Usually, when coconut is in a recipe I reduce the sugar level - here I would only use 1/3 cup as opposed to what the recipe calls for: 2/3 cup. Your sweetness level is your choice; some folks like things really sweet.



Hershey's Chocolate Cookbook

(Featured in the Romancing The Chocolate Amazon store, just click on the title. Found dozens of various Hershey chocolate cookbooks. These guys have been busy over the years! I have several of their books on my shelves.)

Hot Fudge Coconut Pudding

From: “Hershey’s Chocolate Treasury: A Special Collection From America’s Chocolate Authority”

Serves: 8 to 10

Ingredients:

1 cup unsifted all-purpose flour

2/3 cup granulated sugar

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup milk

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 cup chopped nuts

1/4 cup packed light brown sugar

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 (3-1/8-oz.) pkg. vanilla pudding and pie filling mix, not the instant mix variety

3/4 cup flaked coconut

1-1/2 cups boiling water

Vanilla ice cream

Directions:

1. Combine flour, 2/3 cup sugar, cocoa, baking powder and salt in large mixing bowl.

2. Blend in milk, oil and vanilla. Stir in nuts.

3. Spread in greased 8-inch square pan or 1-1/2-quart shallow baking dish.

4. Combine brown sugar, 1/4 cup sugar, dry pudding and pie filling mix and coconut; sprinkle over batter.

5. Carefully pour boiling water over mixture; do not stir. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. Cool 10 minutes; serve warm with vanilla ice cream.