What you will need:

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 pint strawberries with the stems

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt. Add the milk, whisking to combine, and set the pan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, and cook until the pudding thickens, 2-3 minutes. Turn off the heat and stir in the butter and vanilla.

ladle the pudding into four 4-oz ramekins or small bowls and let cool.

serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled, passing the strawberries around for dipping.

serves 4

sometimes the classics are best