Saturday, July 23, 2005

RICH CHOCOLATE PUDDING

2 squares unsweetened chocolate
1 cup sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
pinch of salt
whipping cream (optional)
cherries or other berries for garnish

Coarsely chop the chocolate. Set aside. Stir sugar and cornstarch together in small saucepan until thoroughly blended. Gradually stir in milk until blended. Add chopped chocolate. Cook, stirring over medium heat until chocolate is melted and mixture begins to boil. Cook, stirring, until thickened, about 5 minutes. Stir in vanilla and salt. Pour into 4 custard cups. Cool at room temperature before serving. Whip cream, if used, and add a spoonful to each pudding. Garnish with cherries or other berries of your choice.