Ingredients:
3/4 cup sugar
3 Tbsp cornstarch
3 cups whole milk
4 beaten egg yolks
1 Tbsp butter
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Directions:
In a heavy medium saucepan combine sugar and cornstarch and add milk. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture is thickened and bubbly. Cook and stir for 2 minutes more. Remove from heat. Gradually stir about 1 cup of the hot mixture into beaten eggs.
Return all of the egg mixture to the saucepan and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat. Cook and stir for two minutes more. Remove from heat. Stir in butter and vanilla. Pour into dish/dishes and cover top(s) with plastic wrap. Cool or chill. Do not stir.
Chocolate: Prepare as above, except add 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa to sugar. Use 2 Tbsps cornstarch and 2 2/3 cups milk.