1*25*11

They say that the surest way to a man's heart is through his stomach. I cant disagree.

And given that my favorite dish to prepare and consume is dessert, I am always making attempts to win extra adoration from my sweetheart with things like tiramisu, red velvet cupcakes, and key lime pie.

Well, as it turns out, I've been doing it all wrong.

He's much simpler, it seems.

I came home the other afternoon and whipped up a vanilla bean pudding. It probably took me 15 minutes. When I told him what we were having for dessert (and then realized that, NO, it had not come from a box) he was thrilled! Apparently, the way to his heart is effortless and creamy.

Chocolate pudding requires only six ingredients, so chances are you have what you need to make it on hand.

And it's more-or-less a one dish recipe. I just rigged up a double-boiler using a metal bowl and a pot of boiling water.

You can use fancy chocolate, or Safeway brand chocolate chips. Either way its gonna be tasty!

Chocolate Pudding

• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups milk
• 6 oz chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Combine cornstarch, sugar and salt in the top of a double boiler.

Slowly whisk in the milk.

Place over gently simmering water, and whisk occasionally, for about 15 minutes.

When the mixture begins to thicken, add the chocolate.

Continue stirring for another few minutes, until the pudding is smooth and thickened and all the chocolate is incorporated.

Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.

Pour into individual serving dishes.

If you like pudding skin, pull plastic wrap over the top of the serving dishes before refrigerating.

If you don't like pudding skin, place the plastic wrap on the pudding surface before refrigerating.

Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.