1. Why pudding needs cooling 2. must we cool the outside and not place it straight into refrigerator after cooking?

After cooking, pudding needs to cool for several reasons:

- To thicken. Pudding is made with a thickening agent, such as cornstarch or flour. When the pudding is cooked, the thickening agent absorbs water and swells, causing the pudding to thicken. As the pudding cools, the thickening agent continues to absorb water and the pudding will become even thicker.

- To set. Some puddings, such as custard pudding, need to set in order to hold their shape. When the pudding is cooked, the proteins in the milk coagulate and form a gel, which causes the pudding to set. As the pudding cools, the gel will become firmer and the pudding will hold its shape better.

- To develop its flavor. The flavor of pudding develops as it cools. The flavors of the ingredients will meld together and the pudding will become more flavorful.

- To be safe to eat. Pudding contains milk and eggs, which are both perishable foods. If the pudding is not cooled properly, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria and could make you sick.

2. Must we cool the outside and not place it straight into the refrigerator after cooking?

It is not necessary to cool the outside of pudding before placing it in the refrigerator after cooking. However, it is a good idea to let the pudding cool slightly before covering it and putting it in the refrigerator. This will help to prevent condensation from forming on the surface of the pudding, which can make it watery.

Here are some tips for cooling pudding:

- Place the pudding in a metal or glass bowl. These materials will conduct heat better than plastic, which will help the pudding cool more quickly.

- Set the bowl of pudding in a larger bowl filled with ice water. This will help to cool the pudding more quickly and evenly.

- Stir the pudding occasionally as it cools. This will help to prevent it from forming a skin on the surface.

- Once the pudding has cooled to room temperature, cover it and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3 days.