Simple Decadance

Ever have one of those days?  You know what I mean - you wake up feeling tired, nothing goes right and half-a-dozen things go wrong.  And that's before you've even left the house!  Sometimes, after a day like that, the only thing to do is take a break, unwind a little, and indulge yourself.  For me, that typically involves chocolate.

Now there are lots of different ways to get your chocolate - cakes, cookies, cheesecakes, chocolate-covered fruit, ice cream... the list could go on forever.  Most of those options, however, require quite a bit of time in the kitchen, or a trip to the grocery store, or both.  So what do you do when you (or if you're feeling benevolent, your family) need a treat?  The answer is simple - make chocolate pudding!

For those of you who are immediately turned off by the word "pudding", don't panic.  This recipe is nothing like the little plastic tubs of pudding your mom used to put in your lunchbox.  Nor is it anywhere close to the powders you mix with milk and refrigerate.  This is made-from-scratch, silky and creamy, delicious and decadent pudding like you've probably never tasted it before - unless you were lucky enough to have a grandma or mother who made you some.

It's easy to make, doesn't require many ingredients, and is wonderful warm or cold.  It would be a good pudding pie filling, in a pre-baked crust.  It would be great in a trifle, or topped with whipped cream and a cherry or two.  My favorite way to enjoy it is the simplest, though - still warm from the stove, eaten slowly and savored.  Give it a try - you won't be disappointed!

Rich and Creamy Chocolate Pudding

1/3 c sugar
1/4 c baking cocoa
3 T cornstarch
pinch of salt
2 c milk
1 t vanilla

*In a medium-sized pot, combine first five ingredients.  Stir well with a wire whisk.

*Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly and scraping the bottom well, until pudding thickens and bubbles.

*Continue cooking and stirring for an additional 1-2 minutes, until desired consistency is reached (I like it pretty thick, and it will continue to thicken as it cools).

*Remove from heat and immediately add vanilla, mixing well.  Pour into bowls.  Cool slightly and serve, or cover and refrigerate.