Here's a pudding recipe, the exact source of which I've forgotten, which is easier to make and better than the packaged stuff from the supermarket. It's great for banana pudding--I never use anything else.

• 2 1/2 cups milk
• 1 or 2 egg yolks (I use 2, usually)
• 1/2 cup sugar
• pinch salt
• 2 heaping tablespoons cornstarch
• vanilla to taste
• spoonful of butter

1. Put 2 cups of the milk, the sugar, and the salt in a heavy pan. Do NOT stir!
2. Turn on heat. Quickly combine the 1/2 cup milk, beaten egg yolk & cornstarch until smooth.
3. When milk/sugar mixture comes to a rolling boil, remove from heat, and, while stirring, pour in cornstarch mixture. It will thicken immediately and be very smooth.
4. Return to heat; stir and cook 1 minute.
5. Take off & stir in vanilla & butter.

Chocolate Pudding: To make chocolate pudding, just add 1 heaping tbsp (or more) cocoa to sugar before adding milk.