The annual Hayground school visit is a highlight on my winter schedule. This year the class was all boys. We started in the classroom and watched the riverside video demonstration for our main course recipe from Estia’s American Rivers Tour website.

Both situations were a first in my experience cooking with the students in that school. I think the kids were excited and better informed going into the kitchen after watching a recipe demo in the classroom.

Our menu included corn bread crusted chicken pot pie, cranberry sauce, a salad of spinach, arugula and cabbage in a tangerine, mustard vinaigrette, and for dessert, chocolate pudding.

This recipe serves 40 – 3 oz servings.
It can be reduced as needed for smaller groups.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 gallon milk
• 2.5 cups sugar
• 1 cup cup coco powder
• 12 cups chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup corn starch

Start by bringing the milk to a simmer over low heat, then add the sugar, coco powder, chocolate chips and corn starch a little at a time stirring constantly, raise heat to medium flame and stir for 8-10 minutes until pudding begins to thicken and reduce.

Fill cups carefully and chill over night. Top with whipped cream and serve.