Rich and Creamy Chocolate Pudding

From Better Homes and Gardens.

• Ready In: 50 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1⁄4 cup sugar
• 1⁄4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1⁄4 cup  unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2  tablespoons cornstarch
• 1  teaspoon instant espresso coffee powder or 1  teaspoon instant coffee crystals
• 2  cups milk
• 1  egg, slightly beaten
• 1  tablespoon butter
• 1  teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1  banana, sliced (optional)
• 1  tablespoon crystallized ginger (optional)

Directions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine sugars, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and espresso powder.
2. Gradually stir in milk.
3. Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened and bubbly; reduce heat.
4. Cook and stir for 2 minutes more.
5. Remove from heat; stir in butter and vanilla.
6. Place saucepan in a large bowl filled with ice water.
7. Stir pudding constantly for 2 minutes to cool quickly.
8. Transfer to a medium bowl.
9. Cover surface of pudding with plastic wrap.
10. Refrigerate 2 to 24 hours.
11. To serve, top with sliced banana and/or crystallized ginger.