Crave-Worthy Chocolate Rice Pudding

One of the reasons why I'm so passionate about food is because it's an amalgamation of art and science. While cooking is traditionally viewed as a creative pursuit, understanding the science behind food and cooking helps unlock new avenues of creativity while being able to effortlessly maintain a nutritionally balanced diet.

Food - Delicious Science is a new show that follows a science journalist and ethnobotanist around the world in search of answers to questions about the taste, biological function and psychological triggers that make eating, such a pleasurable pursuit.

The first episode, covers the brain, delving into why we crave certain foods. I won't spoil the show for you by giving away the details, but since chocolate is the most craved food in the world, I couldn't think of a better way to enjoy the first episode than to have a big bowl of this crave-worthy chocolate rice pudding on hand.

To make this glorious comfort food, I borrowed techniques from my Risotto Milanese, and my Chocolate Pudding. It does take a bit longer to make than regular chocolate pudding, but the decadent pudding, accented with al dente grains of rice is well worth the extra effort.

I've added a splash of almond flavored Amaretto at the end, but you can leave this out or substitute other liqueurs like Grand Marnier, or Chambord. Enjoy the pudding and stay tuned for the upcoming Taste and Body episodes of Food Delicious Science and a recipe to go with each one.

Food - Delicious Science is the scientific story of the food on your plate. Michael Mosley and James Wong present a celebration of the physics, chemistry and biology that lies hidden inside every bite. Premieres Wednesday, May 17 at 10:00pm | Check local listings