Easy Chocolate Pudding

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups whole milk
• 4 ounces 72% cacao chocolate, melted in a double boiler or microwave
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions

Set a small saucepan on the counter and add the cornstarch, then the cocoa powder, sugar, and salt; whisk the dry ingredients so they are evenly mixed. Pour in the milk and keep whisking until the mixture looks smooth and unified. Move the pan to medium heat and, without stopping the whisk, let it come to a gentle boil. When it has cooked to the thickness you like, usually after a couple more minutes, take it off the burner and transfer it right away to a medium bowl. Working quickly, blend in the melted chocolate and vanilla with the whisk. You can eat it warm if that sounds good, or press waxed paper or plastic wrap against the surface so a skin does not form, then refrigerate until serving. It will set up more as it chills.