Blancmange

"Blancmange" means "white food." It's basically a corn starch pudding, a quick dessert. People used to think blancmange was a good food for sick people because it is easy to digest and has some sweetness. When I was single, I made basic white custard quite often (never with salt, usually with egg instead of corn starch). It was fun to add different flavorings—cinnamon, almond extract, dark chocolate, etc.

Serves 1

• 1 cup milk
• 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 1/2 tablespoon sugar
• few grains salt
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
• few grains nutmeg [I would use a couple good shakes, or maybe 1/4 teaspoon]

Scald milk in a double boiler.

In a bowl, mix well the cornstarch, sugar.

Add the hot milk to this mixture, stirring as you pour.

Pour mixture into the double boiler, stir and cook the mixture cover the hot water until the mixture thickens (about 10 minutes).

Remove from stove and add the salt, vanilla, and nutmeg. Cool and serve.

For chocolate pudding omit the nutmeg and add 1 1/2 teaspoons cocoa powder.