Is there a time when milk isn’t on the grocery list? Rarely. But there are times when I need a quick way to use up milk before the expiration date. This chocolate pudding is made in the microwave, quick, and pretty darn delicious in a retro-homey way.

2/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup cocoa
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 1/4 cups milk
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon vanilla

Combine sugar, cocoa, cornstarch and salt in a medium-size glass mixing bowl; mix thoroughly to get rid of any lumps. Gradually stir in milk. Microwave on high (full power) for 5 minutes, stirring once during cooking time. Microwave on high until mixture is cooked and thickened, about 1 to 2 minutes more. Remove from microwave and stir in butter and vanilla (butter will melt in hot pudding); pour into individual serving dishes or an 8-inch baked pie shell. Press plastic wrap onto surface of pudding; chill. Makes 4 individual servings.