Deliciously Decadent Cocoa Pudding

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup cocoa

3 tablespoon corn starch

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 cups milk

2 egg yolks, beaten

1 tablespoon butter

1 teaspoon vanilla

Combine cocoa, corn starch, sugar, and salt, in a 2 quart saucepan. Gradually stir in milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is thickened and bubbly. Boil 1 minute longer, then remove from heat. 

Meanwhile, separate eggs and discard whites, or freeze for later use in soups or sauces. In a small bowl beat yolks until thoroughly combined. Gradually stir about half of the hot cocoa mixture into the beaten egg yolks.

Return the egg yolk mixture to the remaining cocoa mixture in the saucepan. Stirring constantly, heat pudding to a gentle boil. Cook and stir 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla.

Pour into individual dishes, and press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of each dish. Cool slightly and refrigerate until set. Garnish each dish with whipped cream before serving.