Active Time

　　20 min

　　Total Time

　　3 1/2 hr

　　Keep an eye on the caramel as it nears the end of cooking—it can go from deep amber to just plain burned very quickly.

　　

Ingredients

Makes 6 servings

　　3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar

　　1/4 cup water

　　1 cup heavy cream

　　3 cups whole milk

　　1/4 cup cornstarch

　　2 large eggs

　　1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

　　1/4 teaspoon salt

　　2 oz fine-quality bittersweet chocolate (not unsweetened), finely chopped

　　Garnish: unsweetened whipped cream and finely chopped chocolate wafer cookies

　　

Step 1

Bring sugar and water to a boil in a large heavy saucepan over high heat, stirring with a fork until sugar is dissolved. Boil, without stirring, washing down sugar crystals clinging to side of pan with a pastry brush dipped in cold water, until pale golden, 4 to 5 minutes. Continue to cook, without stirring, swirling pan occasionally, until sugar turns a deep amber caramel, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat and carefully add cream in a slow stream (mixture will bubble and steam). Return to low heat and cook, whisking, until smooth.

　　

Step 2

Stir together 1/2 cup milk and cornstarch. Beat eggs, vanilla, and salt in another bowl.

　　

Step 3

Stir remaining 2 1/2 cups milk into caramel and bring to a simmer, whisking occasionally. Stir cornstarch mixture, then whisk into caramel. Bring to a boil, whisking, and simmer, whisking, 2 minutes, then remove from heat.

　　

Step 4

Whisk about 1 cup hot caramel mixture into egg mixture until well blended, then whisk egg mixture back into caramel. Continue whisking off the heat 1 minute. 3Whisk 1/2cup hot caramel pudding into chopped chocolate, stirring until smooth. Spoon chocolate pudding into 6 (8-oz) parfait glasses, then top with caramel pudding.

　　

Step 5

Chill until set, at least 3 hours.

　　Cooks' note:

　　• Pudding can be made up to 3 days ahead and chilled, covered with plastic wrap.