Nonpareil Chocolate Pudding

This delightful pudding is always a treat and easy to make using common pantry ingredients. I usually top the pudding with M&M's or whipped topping, or you could even dip fresh strawberries!

• Ready In: 20 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 2  cups  whole milk
• 1⁄2 cup sugar
• 1⁄3 cup  natural cocoa powder
• 4  teaspoons cornstarch
• 3  large  egg yolks
• 2  teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1⁄4 teaspoon fine salt
• 3⁄4 cup  whipping cream

Directions

1. Put 1 1/2 cups of the milk, the sugar, and the cocoa in a nonreactive saucepan. Bring to a simmer, over medium-high heat. Remove from the heat.
2. Meanwhile, whisk the remaining 1/2 cup of the milk, cornstarch, salt, egg yolks, and vanilla in a bowl. Gradually whisk the hot milk into the egg mixture. Return to the saucepan and cook over medium-high heat whisking constantly, until the pudding comes to a full boil. Reduce the heat to maintain a simmer, and continue whisking until thick, about 2 or 3 minutes more.
3. Pour the pudding into 4 small cups. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or ideally overnight until set.
4. Just before serving pour the cream into a chilled bowl. Whip the cream with a whisk or a hand held mixer, and continue beating until soft peaks form. Take care not to over-beat the cream or it will be grainy. Serve each pudding with a dollop of whipped cream on top.