Black Bottom Caramel Pudding

A winner from gourmet magazine! One of those wow desserts!

Cook sugar in a dry heavy saucepan over moderate heat , unstirred , until it begins to melt.

Continue to cook , stirring occasionally with a fork , until sugar is melted into a deep golden caramel.

Remove from heat and carefully add cream in a slow stream.

Return to low heat and cook , whisking , until smooth.

Stir together 1 / 2 cup milk and cornstarch.

Beat eggs , vanilla , and salt in another bowl.

Stir remaining 2 1 / 2 cups milk into caramel and bring to a simmer , whisking occasionally.

Stir cornstarch mixture , then whisk into caramel.

Bring to a boil , whisking , and simmer , whisking , 2 minutes , then remove from heat.

Whisk about 1 cup hot caramel mixture into egg mixture until well blended , then whisk egg mixture back into caramel.

Continue whisking away from the heat for 1 minute.

Whisk 1 / 2 cup hot caramel pudding into chopped chocolate , stirring until smooth.

Spoon chocolate pudding into 6 parfait glasses , then top with caramel pudding.

Chill until set.

sugar, heavy cream, whole milk, cornstarch, eggs, vanilla, salt, bittersweet chocolate, whipped cream, chocolate wafer cookie