Ingredients

• 1/4 cup sugar
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups milk
• 3 egg yolks, beaten
• 7 ounces dark chocolate candy bars, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• whipped cream (optional)
• grated chocolate (optional)
• pirouette cookies (optional)

Instructions

1. In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch and salt.

2. Stir in milk until smooth.

3. Cook and stir over medium-high heat until thickened and bubbly.

4. Reduce heat; cook and stir 2 minutes longer.

5. Remove from the heat.

6. Stir a small amount of hot mixture into egg yolks; return all to pan, stirring constantly.

7. Bring to a gentle boil; cook and stir 2 minutes longer.

8. Remove from the heat; gradually whisk in chocolate and vanilla until smooth.

9. Press plastic wrap onto surface of pudding.

10. Refrigerate.

11. Spoon into dessert dishes.

12. Garnish with whipped cream, grated chocolate and cookies.

13. Serve warm or cold.

14. Yield: 4-6 servings.