Chocolate Pudding

Ingredients:

2 cups milk (soy, cocoa soy, almond, low-fat cow’s)
1/4 cup natural cane sugar
3 Tbsp cornstarch
2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 vanilla bean (optional)
Optional for garnish: fresh berries, chopped nuts, cacao nibs

Directions:

1. Place milk, sugar, cornstarch, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract in a saucepan.
2. If using vanilla bean, split it lengthwise with a sharp knife and scrape out the seeds.
3. Place seeds and pod in the pot with the milk. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until it begins to thicken, about 15 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and remove the vanilla bean pod.
5. Pour pudding into 6 individual cups or 1 large bowl and chill at least 30 minutes before serving. Top with garnish, if using.

Yield: 6 servings

Recipe courtesy of Beth Ginsberg.