Vanilla or Chocolate Pudding

(333)
Prep Time:
20 mins
Total Time:
3 hrs 30 mins
Servings:
4

Rediscover homemade pudding's comforting simplicity, then see how versatile it can be. Choose one or the other, or make them both! Use this basic recipe to create the following flavor variations and desserts: Chai-Cinnamon Pudding, Mocha-Chip Pudding, Rum-Raisin Pudding, Peanut-Butter Chocolate Parfaits, Boston Cream Pie, and Raspberry Napoleons.

Ingredients

  • cup sugar

  • ¼ cup cornstarch

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

  • cup unsweetened cocoa powder (if making chocolate pudding)

  • 2 ½ cups milk

  • 4 large egg yolks

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

  1. Place a fine-mesh sieve over a medium bowl; set aside. In a medium saucepan, off heat, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt. If making chocolate pudding, add cocoa powder. Very gradually (a few tablespoons at a time) whisk in milk, taking care to dissolve cornstarch. Whisk in egg yolks.

  2. Whisking constantly, cook over medium heat until the first large bubble forms and sputters. Reduce heat to low; still whisking, cook 1 minute. Remove from heat; immediately pour through sieve into bowl. Stir butter and vanilla into hot pudding.

  3. Place plastic wrap directly on surface of pudding (to prevent skin from forming); chill at least 3 hours and up to 3 days. Before serving, whisk pudding until smooth; divide among four serving dishes.

    Vanilla or Chocolate Pudding
    John Kernick
Originally appeared: Everyday Food, April 2006

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