Butterscotch Pudding

this pudding is so smooth and creamy! it's perfect for a cold winter day like we've been having here in utah. the sun is out today and the temp has risen just enough to actually be outside again. so whether you're outside enjoying the winter, or inside hibernating until spring, this is sure to bring you all the comfort you'd expect from dreamy, creamy butterscotch pudding. make some tonight...even your kiddos will thank you, i mean if you choose to share, that is!

ingredients:
3/4 cup dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon water
2 cups whole milk
3 tablespoons cornstarch

1/3-1/2 cup heavy cream

1 egg yolk

4 tablespoons butter 

1 teaspoon vanilla

to a heavy saucepan, add brown sugar, 1 tablespoon butter, and water.  cook until bubbly and sugar dissolves - 3-4 minutes.  then add milk, cornstarch, and heavy cream. sugar will harden for a moment, but it will melt once again when the milk mixture comes up to temperature.  stir together for a few minutes, but don't allow it to boil just yet.
in a separate bowl, whisk one egg yolk. 
begin to temper the yolk but slowly adding in about a cup of the hot milk mixture. now pour the hot milk/egg yolk mixture back into saucepan and whisk together well.  continue whisking until mixture thickens to your desired texture. stir in remaining 4 tablespoons of butter and vanilla to finish.  pour into pudding cups and refrigerate for at least an hour or more. when ready to eat, top with caramel sauce and sprinkle toffee bits and you'll be whisked away to pudding dreamland. enjoy!