Name: Licorice Pudding
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 5 hr
Yield: Makes 6 servings
Ingredients: 3/4 cup very finely chopped Panda brand black licorice sticks or pieces (3 3/8 ounces); 1/4 teaspoon salt; 4 1/2 cups whole milk; 1/3 cup plus 2 1/2 tablespoons sugar; 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons cornstarch; 3 large egg yolks; 1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter; Accompaniment: almond cakes; an instant-read thermometer

Image may contain Coffee Cup Drink Latte Cup and Beverage

Licorice PuddingPhoto by Ditte Isager

Scandinavians simply adore black licorice; the selection available in their grocery stores rivals that of chocolate bars in ours. But you don't have to be crazy about it to enjoy this pudding, which is wonderfully smooth and tantalizingly tinged with molasses and anise. We found that Panda brand black licorice works best in this particular recipe.

Cooks' note:

Pudding can be chilled in bowl, its surface covered with wax paper and bowl covered with plastic wrap after 4 hours, up to 3 days.

Recipe notes

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Black Sesame Tofu “Basque” Cheesecake

There are many things that appeal about a Basque cheesecake—it's crustless (one less job) and is meant to look “rustic” with its wrinkled and jagged sides.

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

French Silk Pie

A no-bake Oreo crust, a rich chocolate filling, and a tower of whipped cream come together in this shut-the-room-up dessert.

Frijoles Peruanos (Peruvian Refried Beans)

Mayocobas, or canary beans, are the quick-cooking pantry ingredient you should know about.

Dulce de Leche

Make this versatile caramel at home with our slow-simmered method using milk and sugar—or take one of two sweetened condensed milk shortcuts.