Extra Chocolaty Pudding From Scratch

 Chocolate pudding is one of those desserts that is smooth and creamy. It brings peace to a hectic day and comfort in troubling times. It is always nice to cook up a batch of pudding that my family and I can enjoy together as we unwind from the day.

 Ingredients

2 eggs, beaten
1/3 c. sugar
2 Tbs. cornstarch
3 Tbs cocoa
1/8 tsp. salt
2 c. milk
1 (6 oz.) pkg semisweet chocolate pieces, or 1 cup
2 Tbs. butter or margarine
2 tsp. vanilla

Directions

Beat eggs in a heatproof bowl.  Set aside.

Mix the sugar, cornstarch cocoa and salt in a large heavy bottom saucepan. Slowly whisk in milk until combined. Stirring or whisking constantly, cook over medium heat until the mixture boils. Boil and stir for about 3 minutes, or until the mixture is thick. Remove from heat.

Whisking or stirring constantly, gradually add about 1 cup of the hot pudding mixture into the beaten eggs.  Do not add the hot pudding all at once to the eggs, or it will cook the eggs.  Pour in about a heaping tablespoon of the hot pudding mixture at a time. 

Pour the tempered eggs back into the pudding mixture, whisking constantly. 

Bring the mixture back to a boil, stirring constantly. Boil for 1 minute. 

Add the semisweet chocolate pieces, stirring until they are melted.

Remove from heat. Stir in the butter and vanilla.  Cool slightly. Pour into dessert dishes. You can chill the pudding in the refrigerator or serve warm, which is what we like best.