Chocolate Pudding: In a medium-sized heatproof bowl whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, cocoa powder, and salt. Then whisk in 1/3 cup (80 ml) of the milk to make a thick paste. Add the egg yolks and whisk into the cocoa paste mixture. Set aside while you heat the milk and cream. Have ready a strainer placed over a bowl as you will need to strain the pudding after it is cooked.

First, rinse a medium-sized heavy saucepan with cold water and then shake out the excess water. Doing this step helps to prevent the milk from scorching. Then pour in the remaining 1 1/3 cups (320 ml) milk with the cream. Bring this mixture just to a boil (the milk will start to foam up) and then remove from heat. Gradually pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly, until the mixture is smooth. Transfer the pudding mixture to a clean, heavy bottomed medium sized saucepan and place over medium-low heat. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens to the consistency of mayonnaise (about 3 - 5 minutes). Remove from heat and pour through the strainer to remove any lumps that may have formed during cooking.

Add the finely chopped chocolate, vanilla extract, and butter, stirring gently with a rubber spatula until the mixture is smooth. Pour into 4 bowls or wine glasses. Can serve warm or if chilling, press plastic wrap onto the surface of the warm puddings to prevent a skin (film) from forming. If you like a layer of skin (film) on your pudding, simply leave the puddings uncovered until cooled and then cover with plastic wrap. Can be covered and stored in the refrigerator for a couple of days. Serve warm, at room temperature, or cold.  If you are like me, no chocolate pudding is complete without a large dollop of softly whipped cream.

Makes about 4 servings.

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