2 1/2 c. milk
1 or 2 egg yolks (I use 1 whole egg)
1/2 c. sugar
Pinch salt
2 heaping tbsp. cornstarch
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tbsp. butter

Put 2 cups of milk in saucepan. Add salt. Turn on heat. Pour in the sugar, do not stir.

Quickly mix cornstarch with remaining 1/2 cup milk. Add egg yolk or whole egg to cornstarch mixture and stir well.

When milk comes to a full rolling boil, remove from heat. Stir in the cornstarch mixture. The pudding thickens instantly and is very smooth. Set back on fire 1/2 minute. Remove from heat and add vanilla and butter.

The advantage of this pudding is you don't have to stand over the stove (it won't scorch).

If you want chocolate pudding add 1 tbsp. cocoa (heaping) to the milk and sugar.