Easy, Rich Chocolate Pudding

Directions

1. 1
   Melt chocolate in a saucepan or in the microwave and allow to cool slightly.
2. 2
   Sift cocoa, corn starch, sugar and salt together in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan.
3. 3
   Slowly whisk in the half and half, then the egg yolks, then the milk.
4. 4
   Stir in the chocolate (it will look curdled and clumped, but will melt together with cooking).
5. 5
   Bring mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, whisking constantly and scraping the sides and bottom of the pot.
6. 6
   A splatter screen might be helpful here if your pot is not very deep.
7. 7
   As the pudding reaches the boiling point it will darken and thicken.
8. 8
   When it boils, reduce heat to medium and stir with a wooden spoon for about two minutes, until it has reached the appropriate pudding consistency.
9. 9
   Stir in butter and vanilla.
10. 10
    Serve warm or chilled.