Step #1 Beat the egg yolks & sugar until light yellow & thick in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, on medium-high speed.
Step #2 On lowish speed, add the cornstarch, cocoa powder, & salt.
Step #3 Bring the milk to a boil in a medium saucepan and, with the mixer on low, slowly pour the hot milk into the chocolate mixture.
Step #4 Combine well, then pour the mixture back into the pan.
Step #5 Cook the mixture over low heat/flame, stirring constantly with a whisk or wooden spoon, until thickened.
Step #6 If the mixture begins to curdle, remove it from the heat & beat it vigorously with a wire whisk.
Step #7 Remove the pan from the heat, add the chocolate, vanilla, butter, & heavy cream, & mix until the chocolate & butter are melted.
Step #8 Pour into serving bowls.
Step #9 Place plastic wrap directly on the top of the pudding (to prevent a skin on top of pudding), & chill thoroughly.
Enjoy the Barefoot Contessa's Double Chocolate Pudding recipe