Feel Like Celebrating?

Today is a day for celebration in America! I spent my morning watching the swearing in surrounded by first graders. I am not sure they were as overcome with emotions as their teachers and I, but I think they will remember this day!

This is a perfect, quick celebratory butterscotch pudding from Gourmet Magazine. It can be whipped up in a few minutes, so you won't miss any of the ball.
I made a slightly healthier version by subbing skim milk for whole.

Butterscotch Pudding
1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons plus 2 tsp cornstarch
1 1/2 cups skim milk
1/2 cup heavy cream or half and half
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into bits
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Whisk together brown sugar, cornstarch, and 1/4 tsp salt in a heavy medium saucepan, then whisk in milk and cream. Bring to a boil over medium heat, whisking frequently, then boil, whisking, 1 minute. Remove from heat and whisk in butter and vanilla. Pour into a bowl or fancy glass, then cover surface with buttered wax paper and chill until cold, at least 1 1/2 hours.
Whipped cream is a great addition.

It tastes great hot too!