Chocolate Pudding

3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 ounces bittersweet chocolate
3 1/2 cups milk plus 1/2 cup milk
6 tablespoons cornstarch
2 teaspoons vanilla

Mix sugar, cocoa, and salt thoroughly in a heavy saucepan.  Gradually stir in 2/3 cup warm water, making a smooth, runny paste.  Stirring constantly, bring to a boil over medium heat, then remove from the heat.  Add bittersweet chocolate and stir until melted.  Stir in 3 1/2 cups milk.

Place cornstarch in a bowl.  Gradually add remaining 1/2 cup milk to the cornstarch, making a smooth paste.  Thoroughly stir the cornstarch paste into the chocolate mixture.  Cook, stirring constantly, over medium heat until the mixture begins to thicken.  Reduce the heat to low.  Stirring briskly, bring to a simmer and cook for 1 minute.  Remove from the heat, then stir in the vanilla.  Pour the pudding into a bowl or cups.

Serves 6 to 8.


From The Joy of Cooking, with a few changes