The perfect chocolate pudding

 
                       The Perfect Chocolate Pudding
 
 Recipe By     : LHJ Online (Cynthia DePersio)
 Serving Size  : 6    Preparation Time :0:30
 Categories    : Chocolate                        Pudding
 
   Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
 --------  ------------  --------------------------------
    3 1/2  ounces        bittersweet chocolate (3 1/2 squares) OR
    3 1/2  ounces        imported bittersweet chocolate (1 bar)
    1      cup           heavy or whipping cream
      2/3  cup           milk PLUS
    1      tablespoon    milk
    3      large         egg yolks
      1/3  cup           sugar
    2 1/4  teaspoons     cornstarch
    1      tablespoon    butter -- (no substitutions)
    1      teaspoon      vanilla extract
    1      pinch         salt
                         The Perfect Whipped Cream -- (see recipe)
                         Chocolate shavings -- for garnish
 
 1.  Coarsely chop chocolate.
 
 2.  Heat cream and 2/3 cup milk in medium saucepan over medium heat 4
 minutes, until small bubbles appear around edge.
 
 3.  Meanwhile, whisk yolks and sugar in a bowl.  Stir remaining 1
 tablespoon milk into cornstarch in cup until smooth.
 
 4.  Gradually whisk half the hot cream mixture into yolk mixture until
 blended, then whisk egg mixture into hot cream in saucepan.  Whisk in
 cornstarch-milk mixture.  Bring to boil, stirring, over medium heat; boil 1
 minute, until mixture is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
 
 Tip: Test to see if it is ready by drawing your finder across the back of
 the spoon.  If the line doesn't stay, it's not quite ready.]
 
 5.  Remove pan from heat.  Add chocolate, butter, vanilla and salt to hot
 cream mixture and stir until chocolate is melted and pudding is smooth.
 Strain pudding through fine sieve into bowl.  Press a piece of plastic wrap
 directly on surface of pudding.  Refrigerate until cold, 4 hours.  Divide
 and spoon into six dessert cups or glasses.  (Can be made ahead.
 Refrigerate overnight.)
 
 MC_Busted by Calvin Grisafe 
 
 
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 NOTES : Serve with The Perfect Whipped Cream and garnish with chocolate
 shavings, if desired. 
 
 Indulgent But Worth It How did we manage to improve on this delicious
 all-time favorite? First, we used bittersweet chocolate to give the pudding
 an exceptionally intense flavor; second, we adjusted the mix of whole milk
 and heavy cream for a particularly satiny texture. Don't be tempted to dig
 in as soon as it's cooked! Pudding thickens significantly as it cools, so
 chill thoroughly before serving.