Don't Stir the Milk.

Easiest Homemade Pudding (or pie) Ever

Every time I make cream pie, as my mother taught me, I am amazed by the simplicity of it.

And utterly fascinated by this one detail unique to this recipe:
Pour your milk into the kettle.
Then SPRINKLE the sugar across the milk, and DO NOT STIR.
Turn your burner on high, and let it heat while you get all the other ingredients ready.
It won't burn.  Not unless you stir it.  Don't ask me why, but it works.  Unless you stir it.  Once you stir it, you have to keep stirring it, or it will burn.

Here's the recipe (with my subtle adaptations):
Heat, as instructed above:
2 1/2 C. Milk
1/4 c sugar (or double that if you like super-sweet things.  I don't.)

Meanwhile, put these in the blender (or a bowl, and use a handheld blender)
1/4 c corn starch
3 eggs
1/2 c milk
1 tsp vanilla
dash of salt (1/8 tsp max)

When the milk/sugar un-mixed mixture comes to a boil, pour in the blender mixture.  Be ready with your wire whisk, because now you have to whisk and keep whisking until it comes back to a boil.

Now, you've got vanilla pudding.  If you want chocolate, add 2-4 Tablespoons cocoa to the egg mixture.  If you want pie, pour it into a crust, and add bananas, toasted coconut, or peanut butter/powdered sugar crumbs.