Step 1

In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup of the milk with the cornstarch. Set aside.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, whisk together the remaining milk, salt, and sugar. Allow the mixture to heat over medium heat until it is steaming; do not let it boil.

Step 3

While the milk heats, whisk the egg yolks in a separate small bowl. Once the milk is steaming, slowly steam ½ cup of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly. Slowly add the egg yolk mixture back to the pot, followed by the cornstarch mixture. Continue to cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture starts to simmer and has thickened.

Step 4

Remove from the heat and whisk in the butter and vanilla.

Step 5

Pour into individual serving dishes. Top each with a layer of plastic wrap touching the top of the pudding to prevent a skin from forming and serve warm or allow to chill for several hours before serving.