Active Time

　　15 min

　　Total Time

　　2 1/4 hr

　　

Ingredients

Makes 4 to 6 servings

　　2 tablespoons sugar

　　2 tablespoons cornstarch

　　2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

　　1 1/2 cups whole milk

　　1/2 cup heavy cream

　　4 ounces fine-quality milk chocolate, chopped

　　1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

　　

Accompaniment:

lightly sweetened whipped cream

　　

Step 1

Whisk together sugar, cornstarch, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt in a 2-quart heavy saucepan, then gradually whisk in milk and cream. Bring to a boil over moderately high heat, whisking constantly, then boil, whisking, 2 minutes. (Mixture will be thick.) Remove from heat. Whisk in chocolate and vanilla until smooth.

　　

Step 2

Transfer to a bowl and chill pudding, its surface covered with wax paper (to prevent a skin from forming), until cold, at least 2 hours.

　　Cooks' note:

　　Pudding can be chilled, covered with plastic wrap after 2 hours, up to 3 days.