Ingredients

• 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
• lightly sweetened whipped cream

Instructions

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.
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.