Naked Harry Potter Birthday Cake {chocolate, gluten free}

We're big Harry Potter fans over here.  If you've been following me on Instagram, you may have seen that I've read the first 2 Harry Potter books, illustrated edition (they are amazing!) with my kiddos.

They ask me if I knew Harry Potter when I was a kid, and then they run around spouting HP spells.  They are becoming quite the Potter fans, and I couldn't be happier. I feel like I'm doing at least one thing right with this whole parenting thing.  

Every year I make a birthday cake for Harry Potter.  It's always fun to have a reason to bake and eat cake.  This year the kids helped me, so, of course, they had to get in on the picture.  They are excellent quality control taste testers.  

Naked cakes are all the rage right now, and I'm not the biggest frosting fan.  Therefore, I attempted a naked chocolate cake.  Let me just say, I am a BIG naked cake fan!  

Since, I've been strictly gluten free for almost 8 months now, I can say this is the Best Gluten Free Chocolate Cake.  Seriously, so yum!  

If you are one of the lucky ones that don't need to worry about gluten, try one of these chocolate cake recipes.  

• Absolutely Amazing Chocolate Cake- with peanut butter options. :) 
• Dark Chocolate Cake with Malted Frosting- the original HP cake on this site. 

Happy Harry Potter Week!  Happy Baking! 

Gluten Free Naked Chocolate Cake

Recipe: Alohamora and America's Test Kitchen GF cookbook

Active Time: 45 minutes

Inactive Time: 50 minutes + cooling time

Servings: 1- 6 inch double layer cake, or 1- 9 inch double layer cake

Ingredients: 

Cake

1 c. sunflower oil or vegetable oil

3/4 c. bittersweet chocolate chips

2/3 c. cocoa powder

4 eggs, large

2 tsp vanilla extract

1 1/2 c. sugar

1 c. milk

1 1/3 c. and 1/4 c. gluten free flour with xanthan gum (or add 1 tsp of xanthan gum)

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

3/4 tsp salt

Frosting

1/2 c. butter, softened
1/4 c. cocoa powder
2 1/2 c. powdered sugar
3/4 tsp vanilla
1-3 Tbsp milk

Directions: 

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees and spray two 6 inch round cake pans (you can do 9 inch pans it just won't be as tall of a cake) with coconut oil or another gluten free oil.  Then line the bottom of the pans with parchment paper and spray the paper with coconut oil. 
2. In a small to medium microwaveable dish combine the oil, chocolate chips, and cocoa powder.  Microwave the dish at 50% power for about 2 minutes, but be sure to stir it every 30 seconds or so.  When finished stir the chocolate until smooth and well combined.  
3. In a large bowl or stand mixer mix the eggs and vanilla together. 
4. Add the sugar and mix until well combined. 
5. Add the cooled chocolate mixture and the milk to the large bowl and stir to combine everything with a spoon.  You need to mix it all with a spoon before using a mixer here to prevent a mess in your kitchen. 
6. Add the remaining cake ingredients in the order listed and mix until combined and smooth.  
7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.  The 6-inch pans will be 3/4 or 7/8 full, but that is how you get a thick cake layer.  
8. Bake the cake at 325 for 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. I started at 35 minutes and added time as needed.  If you are cooking a 9-inch layered cake cook it between 25 and 35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.   
9. Let the cakes cool on a trivet or a cooling rack for 10 minutes before removing the cakes from the pans.  You may need to run a knife around the edges depending on how well you sprayed the pans.  Remove the pans and let the cakes cool completely on a cooling rack.
10. For your frosting, in a medium to large bowl or a stand mixer mix the butter and the cocoa powder together until smooth.  
11. Add the powdered sugar and mix until just combined. 
12. Add the vanilla and mix until it's just mixed in.
13. While the mixer is on low slowly pour in the milk until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.  I usually start with 1 tablespoon, scrape the sides of the bowl, and mix again before deciding to add a little more milk.  
14. After you reach the consistency you want mix the frosting for 1-2 minutes more until it it is smooth, light, and fluffy. 
15. When assembling the cake be sure to level the cakes (aka cut off the round tops and enjoy snacking on those scraps).  Place one layer on your cake plate, and using a pastry bag and a large 1A tip spiral the frosting on top of the bottom layer.  
16. Place your second cake layer on top of the first.  I've found having my two cut cake layer ends of your cake on the inside of the cake makes for a neater/cleaner look.  
17. I then use a minimum amount of frosting on the top and sides of the cake and give your cake a scraped look using an icing spatula or a scraper. 
18. For the Harry Potter look (aka when enjoying this for his birthday on 7/31), use green icing to write on the top.
19. Enjoy!
20. Store leftovers on your counter for a day or two, or store in an airtight container in the fridge. 

Happy Gluten Free HP Cake Baking and Eating! 

  

Instant Pot Fudge Cake {dessert, lite, pressure cooker, gluten free}

Happy Birthday Harry Potter!  Every year I celebrate HP's birthday.  I know I am a nerd, but let's be honest, were any of you doubting my nerdiness?! 

I personally like to celebrate my birthday for longer than 24 hours.  So, I obviously must celebrate HP's birthday with you longer as well.   To celebrate his birthday I always make a cake.  To check out my HP cake baking helpers and the cake we made, head to my Instagram account. 

I have been celebrating Harry Potter's Birthday for a few years now, and I've made a few recipes.  ;)

• Harry Potter's Chocolate Birthday Cake
• B.L.A.FT sans Dementors aka Bacon Lettuce Avocado Fried Tomato
• Leaky Cauldron's Sumptuous Milk Chocolate Pudding {Gluten Free}
• Pumpkin Juice
• Hogwart's Shepherd's Pie
• Knight Bus Skinny Frozen Hot Chocolate
• Goblet of Fire Triple Chocolate Gateau 
• Good vs. Evil Cookies and Cream Fudge
• Weasley's Easy English Muffin Bread

This year I've decided to make some magical recipes for you.  We'll, they are magical for a muggle.  All week, I'll be sharing Instant Pot recipes b/c Instant Pots or other pressure cookers work some serious magic.  Instant Pot's get meals on the table almost as quickly as the Hogwart elves. 

I've had my Instant Pot for about a year.  I am loving it, and my family does too.  The instant pot has made busy evenings (whether I'm working or kids have activities) a lot easier.  If you've been on the fence for an IP, give it a try. 

Todays, Fudge Cake made in the Instant Pot is exactly what the name says, it is a perfect balance of fudge and cake. It's delicious! My husband is not a chocolate fan, but he had to taste the regular flour cakes for me while I enjoyed the gluten free ones.  It is easy and simple, and oh so yummy!

My husband, who doesn't love chocolate, responded that this chocolate cake was so good he wanted to eat the entire serving rather than tasting it out of obligation (b/c I can't eat gluten) for me.  That is a definite compliment to the greatness of this simple, easy, and lite recipe. 

Instant Pot Fudge Cake

Recipe: Alohamora inspired by this recipe

Active Time: 15 minutes

Inactive Time: 9 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients: 

1/2 c. and 2 Tbsp sugar
1/4 c. milk
2 Tbsp and 2 tsp cocoa
2 Tbsp butter
1/2 oz unsweetened chocolate
1/4 c. flour (gluten free or all purpose)
1/8 tsp salt
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 large egg white
Toppings: chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, butterscotch chips, caramel nibs, mint chips, etc.

1 c. water

Directions: 

1. Grease, butter, or spray with a baking spray four 4 oz ramekins.  I actually used a coconut oil spray to grease the gluten free cakes. 
2. In a small pot/saucepan over medium heat combine the sugar, milk, and cocoa with a whisk or fork, and bring the pan to a boil. Constantly stirring the mixture cook it for 30 seconds or until the sugar dissolves. 
3. Turn off the heat to the stove and add the butter and chocolate to the pan.  Constantly stir the mixture until both the butter and chocolate melt.  Remove the pan from the heat and allow it to cool for a couple minutes while you get everything else ready.
4. Add the flour and salt to the mixture and stir it with a whisk or fork until it is combined. 
5. Add the vanilla and egg white to the mixture and combine it with a fork or a whisk.
6. Divide the batter evenly between the 4 prepared ramekins. 
7. Top the batter with chocolate chips, caramel nibs, or whatever chips you prefer.  I like to do a straight up milk chocolate chip addition as well as caramel nibs with course sea salt.  
8. Add the cup of water to the bottom of your Instant Pot and place the trivet that came with the pressure cooker in the bottom.  
9. Place the ramekins in the Instant Pot, sealed the lid, and cook the cakes on Manual for 9 minutes with a quick release.  
10. When the cakes are done remove them from the Instant Pot and let them cool for 5-10 minutes. 
11. Invert the cakes on a dessert plate, or you can eat straight out of the ramekins.  
12. Top the cakes with ice cream, powder sugar, whipping cream, or more. 
13. Enjoy! 
14. Store leftovers, if there are any, covered in the fridge.

    

OwlCrate's October Once Upon a Dream Fairy Tales Box {YA Lit Subscription Box Review}

I'm still paying every month for an OwlCrate subscription box, and I'm still enjoying the contents of every box.  Of course, it'd be nice if OwlCrate wants to make me a permanent rep for them, but why would they when I am happily paying.  Oh, such a conundrum.

Until I become an incredibly famous book and recipe blogger I guess I'll have to keep paying $35 dollars a month.  Though, really, if you are looking for a fun gift for a reader or bookworm you should consider an OwlCrate box.  They are fun.

Happy mail and book mail are the best kinds of things to get in the mail.  OwlCrate is both!

I'd rate this month's box 4 out of 5 stars. Really good.

October's theme was "Once Upon a Dream" aka fairy tales. This month there was a Russian fairy tale/folk lore, Wizard of OZ, Sleeping Beauty, and Peter Pan represented.

I love that I get all this stuff for $35. If you priced it out separately it would be much more.  Score!

I absolutely LOVE this sleeping beauty bracelet.  I'm not one to buy a lot of jewelry, but I love having jewelry with a book touch sent to me.  These are so cute!

The Geeky Cauldron made this exclusively for the OwlCrate; which things like that make getting an OwlCrate so much more awesome.

A few months ago, The Geeky Cauldron had some Patronus Chapstick in an OwlCrate box.  I still love to use that chapstick and smile every time b/c of the Harry Potter connection.

The past couple of boxes have included these "Passports." The passport is more like a little notebook, which is fun for my kids to write all of their secrets in.

This Wizard of Oz passport is made by The Unemployed Philosopher's Guild, and they did a fantastic job with the details.

Inside the back cover of the book are 5 Traveler Tips.  I loved the creativity in these tips, connecting them to the Wizard of Oz story.  I took a sweet picture of these tips, but I swear the camera gods didn't approve of this cool detail being shared b/c I can't find that picture anywhere anymore.  Sadness.

Though, I will probably curse myself more with those camera/photo gods by sharing a few with you, but they are too cute not to share.

1. FOLLOW the yellow brick road.
2. Throwing liquids MAY be beneficial.
3. Always look BEHIND the curtain.

The other two are just as cute, but I feel I can't give it all away.  You 'll just have to comment to hear the other two, or grab one of these on your own.

Below, you'll see another cute detail of these passports.

I think this picture of my son wearing the Peter Pan Neverland Beanie from Whosits and Whatsits is adorable.  Sure, I'm partial to the kid, but his expression seems just perfect for this loose beanie style.

He often grabs this hat from my room and wears it even in warm and sunny Arizona.  I'm not sure it'll be used in any cold weather, but if it keeps him from growing up and staying my little boy forever I will take it.

Stay little sweet boy!

The only aspect of this month's box that I didn't love was the bookmark from My Heart My Tribe; it's the big paper clip with the button on it.  I actually think it is super cute, but I don't do bookmarks that stick out of my books.  It makes it harder for the book to be in my purse.  I'm weird, I know.

To be honest, I could be ridiculous and not know how to use the cool bookmark, but really it was the only downer in the box for me.  However, if you are reading this, and would like the bookmark, I will ship it to you.  First one to comment gets it.

The last thing in this month's OwlCrate box was Vassa in the Night by Sarah Porter. It is based on a Russian Folklore, and so far it is a different kind of story.  The different kind of narrator reminds me of The Book Thief.  I'll be reviewing it in my next book post (probably next week).

Every month now the book comes with a letter from the author (which Sarah Porter's handwriting was a tad challenging to read, reminded me of my mom's handwriting- love you Mom!) and a sticker with the author's signature on it to stick in the book.  It's fun to have.

Oh, I almost forgot, that a pin comes with every box too.  I always place the pins on my work badge so the nerdy in librarian is proudly evident. ;)

Yay for my monthly OwlCrate Subscription Box! Do you do any subscription boxes?

Happy reading!

August OwlCrate Subscription Box- YA Realistic/Contemporary Fiction

I am a little behind on reviewing this August OwlCrate Box, but I still wanted to share the awesomeness it.  I am a huge Realistic/Contemporary fiction fan so I have thoroughly enjoyed the book P.S. I Like You by Kasie West that came in this month's box.  

In this month's box came this fantastic Eleanor and Park necklace; for a Young Adult (YA) literature fan like myself it's perfect.  I actually love the length and look of this necklace, and I have worn it at least once a week (which for my non-jewelry wearing self this is a big deal).  
This necklace is an OwlCrate original made by them just for this box; you can't get it anywhere else.  How fun and cool is that?   This is one reason I really enjoy OwlCrate (besides the fact that they also love Harry Potter).  They often put something in their box made by them, or someone else, that is unique and one of a kind.

I also love this small composition book.  it's adorable, fun, and useful.    
   

I do think this awesome HP pin, by Taryn Draws, and this very cool print by Susanne Draws was a great touch for this YA High (aka books with a school emphasis) box.  I personally love any reason to throw in something with the Harry Potter connection, and I think they are both so cute and well done. 

I teach a parent education class, and in a class last week one of the mom's mentioned how she likes to color when the kids and life make her a little stressed.  Stress doesn't do anyone good.  We aren't as good of parents when we stress, and we aren't as creative, happy, or efficient.  After hearing her stress relieving advice I found it fitting that this adult coloring book I got in my OwlCrate is designed to be Stress Relieving.  It's a great book with really great patterns.  I have sometimes found adult coloring book patterns to be annoying or obnoxious patterns.  However, this one by Blue Star is actually really impressive, and I've enjoyed my relaxation time.       

The reason I pay for this subscription box is for the books.  I have always been happy with the book selections, and this months book has been just as enjoyable.  P.S. I Like You by Kasie West is a fun realistic/contemporary fiction set in an Arizona high school.  There is obviously, a touch of romance in this character driven story.  

It's a fun read, and I will give you a full review of it in my next blog post.  

If you are thinking of treating yourself to a subscription box, or if you are thinking a teenager of yours might enjoy one, I highly suggest OwlCrate.  If you decide and use my link, I'll be grateful. If I somehow get 3 friends to join then I may get a month's crate for free.  Then I can think to maybe get that children's lit box I've been eyeing for my kids.  


Happy Subscription Box fun!  I really do enjoy mail day when my OwlCrate comes.  

Owlcrate July Good vs. Evil YA Lit Subscription Box Review

Another month means another Owlcrate YA Literature subscription box to review. Good vs. Evil was this month's theme, and I got a Good box.  Some got Evil boxes with the Death Star and Voldemort, but I got the box I wanted.  

I've been doing Owlcrate for 4 months or so, and I am loving the fandom, bookmarks, jewelry, letters from the author, and the books of course.  I've actually been quite impressed that there hasn't been one item of any of the Owlcrates that I haven't liked.  I mean, I have really liked the books, and I'm a tough grader.    

If you are interested in trying them out they're about $36 (that includes tax and shipping) a month; click here and we both win.  In every box you get a hardback YA book, letter from the author, artwork, and usually 3 fandom items.  The 20th of August is the last day to order the August box which has the theme of YA High aka school setting.  There have been a lot of Harry Potter hints on Owlcrate's Instagram account, so I'm hoping there's some awesome HP stuff.  I will also say that this is not a sponsored post; I pay for my subscription.    

Check out all of the stuff that was found in the July Owlcrate box.  The little girl found in the picture above is a cute Alice in Wonderland magnet bookmark.  There in the back is a small coloring book of the book covers of the latest books they've sent.  Plus, there were letter's from the author and the Victoria Schwab's signature.  It was a great box!

This absolutely awesome Millennium Falcon wooden necklace may be my favorite fandom in this month's box.  I never knew I needed this necklace from VectorEngraving until I got it and LOVE wearing it with my Star Wars shirt.  Sure, I'm a total nerd wearing such fandom gear, but I'm also a librarian so I'm already in the nerd department.  I proudly wear it, and my daughter has worn it on more than one occassion as well. We both love it!   

The necklace and this Dobby Pop Funko may tie as my favorite items in this Owlcrate box.  I love building my PopFunko collection, and I love that Dobby is holding a sock.  So much love here.  

Also, if you haven't checked out the illustrated Harry Potter book, found behind Dobby in the picture above, you need to!  It's amazing! The illustrated book wasn't found in this month's box; I already own it and have pre-ordered Chamber of Secrets coming out in October. 

Finally, the whole reason I get this subscription box is b/c of the books.  Owlcrate chooses great books, and I am excited to read this newly released hilarious romantic novel.  The Salvage Song by Victoria Schwab is apparently set in a dystopian future with monsters and a Romeo and Juliet like love story.   Don't worry, I will review it as soon as I finish it. 

All in all, well done Owlcrate!  Another great box, and I look forward to August's box.  

Do you do any subscription boxes?  There are loads of book subscription boxes, and I'd love to do many of them.  I actually have an idea to start my own, but I just don't know how to do it.  If you want to collaborate give me a holler.  

Happy YA reading and happy book fandom fun! 

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child gets 4.5 Stars

First off, I will say that I was extremely frustrated to have pre-ordered this book from Amazon and not receive it until 6 days after its release.  Super lame Amazon!  

Tho, when I did get the book on Saturday I read the complete thing that afternoon.  I absolutely LOVED reminiscing with Harry Potter and his friends.  It was fun!  

I give Harry Potter and the Cursed Child  by J.K. Rowling (sure there is some dispute on how much she wrote) 4.5 out of 5 stars in my book review that I promise to not give any spoilers.  HP and the Cursed Child is an all around is a fun fast read for high school students and up.

I know there are a lot mixed review on this book, but I still say definitely give it a read.  Though, there are a few things that it is best to remember going into this book.  First, you have to remember that this book is a script. Scripts are different from your traditional novel.  To be honest, I forgot that at first.  The first 20 pages or so was a little frustrating b/c I wasn't getting the detail in the setting, characters, story development, etc.  However, after I remembered that little, but crucial, detail I really got immersed in the story.  I have always felt that it is too hard to compare the books to their movie counterparts.  They are different, and they each have different strengths.  I feel the same thing applies with a script to a novel.  

There were several things that I really liked with HP and the Cursed Child.  I really liked reminiscing with the old characters.  I really liked seeing the story continue.   There are some awesome quotes/lines found in the story that I had to write down.  I'd love to share all of them with you, but I promised you no spoilers.  Therefore, I'll share just this one from Scorpius, Draco Malfoy's son. "I, uh, I opened a book.  Something which has- in all my years on this planet- never been a particularly dangerous activity." This quote makes my librarian book loving heart smile.  Even though Scorpius is not my favorite (I was never a Malfoy fan either), I LOVE this quote. 

Now, it is true, and somewhat shocking that a Harry Potter book didn't earn a perfect 5 star rating.  Though, I've always been a tough grader and that doesn't change.  I'm not comparing the script to the other books b/c they are different (script vs. novel), but I am judging the book as part of the series and that is where it falters.  

Since Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is a continuation of the story I was disappointed that the characters were not always consistent with who they were in the first 7 books.  Hermione was known for being clever in the original series, but I didn't think she was her consistent witty clever self in this book.  I felt there were inconsistencies with Ron and Harry's characters as well.  I don't want to give too much into why they were inconsistent b/c I don't want to spoil a single aspect of the story.  However, it is the inconsistencies with the characters that is the major reason for the less than perfect score.  

I still thoroughly enjoyed reading the script book.  I found myself feeling many emotions in the reading.  I was incredibly happy. picking up the book, and concerned, worried, sad, curious, surprised, and more.  

All in all, it is a fun read.  I thoroughly enjoyed reading Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.  I wouldn't say this is a must read for Harry Potter fans or those that have read the rest of the series, but I will say that I'm so happy that I did read it.  

Just in case you aren't sure, here is the book description I took from Amazon. 

"The Eighth Story. Nineteen Years Later.

Based on an original new story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany, a new play by Jack Thorne,Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is the eighth story in the Harry Potter series and the first official Harry Potter story to be presented on stage. The play will receive its world premiere in London’s West End on July 30, 2016.
It was always difficult being Harry Potter and it isn’t much easier now that he is an overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic, a husband and father of three school-age children.
While Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son Albus must struggle with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted. As past and present fuse ominously, both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth: sometimes, darkness comes from unexpected places."   


I'd LOVE to hear what you thought of the book.


I am considering adding my favorite quotes from the book in a month or so.  I will include them with a clear spoiler line so that you can choose to read them or not.  Thoughts?

  

B.L.A.FT sans Dementors aka Bacon Lettuce Avocado Fried Tomato

Tomorrow is the last day of the Harry Potter Pop Funko Giveaway here on my blog, Instagram, and Facebook.  Have you entered yet?  Click here to enter and for more awesomely easy details.

Today, you get another recipe from Harry's 3rd year at school, Prisoner of Azkaban.  That year Harry encountered quite a few Dementors, and after one occassion enjoyed some fried tomatoes with sausage.

I personally felt fried tomatoes on a BLT sounded amazing, and after enjoying this rich and flavorful B.L.A.FT- Bacon Lettuce Avocado Fried Tomatoes I was right.  This sandwich is amazing; even my husband said it was the best BLT he's ever had.

Fried Tomatoes really aren't all that hard to make, and they really do add the richest flavor this classic sandwich.

Give them a go.  You won't be disappointed with this quick and easy weeknight meal.     

B.L.A.FT aka Bacon Lettuce Avocado Fried Tomatoes Sandwich
Recipe: Alohamora
Active Time: 15-20 minutes
Inactive Time: 15-20 minutes
Servings: 3-4 sandwiches (easily double for more)

Ingredients: 
bacon
lettuce
avocados
bread, toasted
4 Tbsp oil
2 tomatoes, medium sized
1/3 c. flour
salt/pepper
1/4 tsp basil, dried

Directions: 

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees, and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.  Lay the bacon down. 
2. Lay the bacon on the prepared pan.  I actually used turkey bacon and it tasted great as well as being a little bit healthier. 
3. Cook your bacon at 400 degrees in the oven for 12-20 minutes or until desired done-ness.  I'm a crispy bacon fan so I cooked it longer than 15 minutes.
4. While the bacon is cooking slice and begin to fry the tomatoes.  Slice the tomatoes into medium sized slices. .
5. Pour the oil into the a medium to large skillet and turn the stove up to medium to high heat so the oil can heat.
6. In a small and shallow boil mix the flour, salt, pepper, and dried basil together.  You can add more basil if you are a lover of it.    
7. While the oil is heating up dunk the tomato slices into the flour coating mixture.  Be sure to flip the tomato slice over.
8. Place fried tomatoes in the heated oil, and flip them over to cook both sides.  Most people like to flip their tomatoes when the sides are a golden color; I like mine a little extra fried.
9. Place fried tomatoes on a plate lined with a paper towel.  This will help soak up the extra oil. 
10. Toast your bread, slice your avocado, and assemble your Bacon Lettuce Avocado Fried Tomatoes sandwiches.  
11. The sandwich is absolutely amazing if you can get the bread, bacon, and tomatoes served when hot.  
12. Enjoy your BLAFT! Store leftovers in the refrigerator, but serve them in different pieces and assemble the sandwich at times of serving.  

Happy B.L.A.FT eating, and Happy Harry Potter Week!  

This is the last recipe I'm sharing with y'all this Harry Potter Week, but check back for more book reviews, recipes, and even a giveaway.  

Leaky Cauldron's Sumptuous Milk Chocolate Pudding {Gluten Free}

In Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban the Weasley's, Hermione, and Harry were staying at the Leaky Cauldron the night before taking the train to Hogwarts.  They had a 5 course dinner and topped off the meal with sumptuous chocolate pudding.

My Leaky Cauldron's Milk Chocolate Pudding is smooth, decadent, and luxurious, and even though it is from scratch it really isn't hard to make.  Now, I will say that the English Chocolate pudding is more like a steamed cake almost resembling a lava cake of sort.  It's delicious, but it is over 110 degrees here in Arizona, and cold desserts are a thousand times more enticing.  So, I opted for a luxurious milk chocolate pudding that is dairy based and therefore gluten free.  You'll love this cold dessert, and come winter time I will share a proper English pudding.   

This homemade milk chocolate pudding is incredibly smooth, rich, and decadent.  Way better than boxed puddings... so make sure you give this one a go.  So very yummy! 

Luxurious Milk Chocolate Pudding
Recipe: Alohamora slightly adapted from The Unofficial Harry Potter Cookbook
Active Time: 25 minutes
Inactive Time: chill time, 3+ hours
Servings: about 4 cups

Ingredients: 
1/2 c. sugar
1/4 c. cornstarch
2 Tbsp cocoa powder
1/8 tsp salt
2 1/2 c. milk
1 c. heavy whipping cream
1 c. bittersweet chocolate chips
2 Tbsp butter
1 tsp vanilla
Optional Toppings: whipped cream, chocolate shavings, sprinkles, melted peanut butter, etc. 

Directions: 

1. In a medium saucepan whisk the sugar, cornstarch, cocoa powder, and salt together until combined.
2. Add the milk (I used skim, but 1%, 2%, or whole would work just as well) and the heavy whipping cream to the pan and stir to combine it with a wooden spoon.  
3. Cook the mixture over medium to high.  Stir it constantly until the cocoa powder is dissolved.
4. Remove the pan from the heat and add the bittersweet chocolate chips to the mixture.  Stir the chocolate until it is melted.  You won't be able to see when they are melted so try and feel or scoop up any chocolate chips.  When you can't you will know they are melted.  
5. Return the pudding mixture to the stove and cook it over medium heat. Stir the pudding constantly but gently until it thickens and begins to bubble (aka boil).  When thickened and a good consistency remove the pan from the heat. 
6. Add the butter and the vanilla to the pudding.  Stir the pudding gently until the butter is melted and everything is combined.  
7. Pour the pudding into a small mixing bowl, and place a piece of plastic/saran wrap on the surface of the pudding. I also placed a lid on the bowl, but that step isn't necessary.  Place the pudding in the refrigerator to chill for 2-3 hours or until it is set.  This is a great dessert to make ahead.  
8. Enjoy this rich, smooth, and cold milk chocolate pudding plain or topped with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, sprinkles, melted peanut butter, or whatever other decadent toppings you desire. . 
9. Store leftover pudding in the fridge. 

Happy Harry Potter Week and Happy Sumptuous Milk Chocolate Pudding eating! 

Have you entered the Harry Potter Pop Funko Giveaway? Easy to enter and fun to win!