The Real Deal Chocolate Pudding

The Real Deal Chocolate Pudding

½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup natural unsweetened cocoa powder
2½ tablespoons cornstarch
2½ cups whole milk, divided
zest of 1 small orange
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
5 ounces dark chocolate (containing 60% to 72% cocoa solids), chopped finely
½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
⅛ teaspoon kosher salt

Combine the sugar, cocoa powder, and cornstarch in a medium saucepan.

Slowly whisk in ½ cup of the milk until smooth in texture and turn the heat to medium.
Whisking continuously, slowly pour in the remaining 2 cups of milk. Add orange zest. Whisk for approximately 7 minutes, until the pudding thickens.

Remove the saucepan from the heat and slowly whisk in the butter, chocolate, vanilla extract, and salt until everything is melted and fully incorporated.

Using a teaspoon, sample some—just because.
Divide into 6 ramekins or dessert dishes and serve warm, or cover with plastic wrap, pressing directly on the surface to prevent a film from forming on the pudding, and refrigerate until chilled.