Sticky Chocolate Pudding
This is a variant on lemon surprise pudding, in which the mixture divides on cooking to produce a sponge above the thick lemony sauce which forms below. Indeed, it is known in my house as Lemon Surprise Pudding, the surprise being that it's chocolate. Although I didn't actually eat this as a child, it is heady with reminders of childhood foods: the hazelnuts in the sponge bring back memories of Nutella, the thick, dark, fudgy sauce of chocolate spread. The proportions below are geared towards 6, but easily feed 8. It's heavenly with fridge-cold heavy cream poured over it. It is also child's play to make. Choose good cocoa and good chocolate and stick carefully to the exact measurements. You can, though, use 1 2/3 cups flour in place of the 1 1/4 cups flour and 1/2 cup ground nuts, if you prefer increasing the amount of baking powder needed to 1 1/2 teaspoons. Use one of those standard white souffle dishes 8 inches in diameter, or a shallow square 12-inch pan. If you've got only a single oven, it makes sense to use the shallow dish: it will take less time to cook.
This is a variant on lemon surprise pudding, in which the mixture divides on cooking to produce a sponge above the thick lemony sauce which forms below. Indeed, it is known in my house as Lemon Surprise Pudding, the surprise being that it's chocolate. Although I didn't actually eat this as a child, it is heady with reminders of childhood foods: the hazelnuts in the sponge bring back memories of Nutella, the thick, dark, fudgy sauce of chocolate spread. The proportions below are geared towards 6, but easily feed 8. It's heavenly with fridge-cold heavy cream poured over it. It is also child's play to make. Choose good cocoa and good chocolate and stick carefully to the exact measurements. You can, though, use 1 2/3 cups flour in place of the 1 1/4 cups flour and 1/2 cup ground nuts, if you prefer increasing the amount of baking powder needed to 1 1/2 teaspoons. Use one of those standard white souffle dishes 8 inches in diameter, or a shallow square 12-inch pan. If you've got only a single oven, it makes sense to use the shallow dish: it will take less time to cook.
- Carbohydrate 82 g(27%)
- Cholesterol 30 mg(10%)
- Fat 12 g(19%)
- Fiber 7 g(30%)
- Protein 8 g(15%)
- Saturated Fat 6 g(28%)
- Sodium 105 mg(4%)
- Calories 423
Step-by-step
- Preheat the oven to 350°.
- Sift the flour, baking powder, salt and cocoa into a bowl, stir in the hazelnuts and the sugar, then add the chocolate.
- Whisk together the melted butter, egg, milk and vanilla and pour into the dry ingredients. Stir well, so it's all thoroughly mixed, then spoon into the buttered dish.
- Now for the sauce, not that you make it yourself (the cooking does that for you) but you have to get the ingredients together. Bring 2 1/2 cups of water to a boil.
- Mix the brown sugar and cocoa and sprinkle over the top of the pudding mixture in the dish.
- Pour the boiled water up to the 2 cup mark of a measuring cup, then pour over the pudding.
- Put the water-drenched pudding directly into the oven and leave it there for about 50 minutes.
- Don't open the door until a good 45 minutes have passed and then press: if it feels fairly firm and springy to the touch, it's ready. If you're using the shallow dish, it'll be ready in 35-40 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and serve immediately, spooning from the dish and making sure everyone gets both sauce and sponge.
My Unexpected Chocolate Pudding Adventure
As a busy working mom, finding time to bake is a luxury, not a given. Weekends are often filled with errands, kids' activities, and the never-ending cycle of laundry and meal prep. So, when I stumbled upon this recipe for Sticky Chocolate Pudding, I wasn’t expecting much. The description hinted at a childhood favourite, a comforting dessert that promised to transport me back to simpler times. Intrigued, and slightly desperate for a moment of peace and quiet in my chaotic schedule, I decided to give it a try.
The recipe itself was surprisingly straightforward. The ingredient list was manageable, and the instructions, while detailed, weren't overly complicated. This was crucial. I needed something that wouldn't require hours of meticulous work, something I could whip up even amidst the whirlwind of my busy week. As I measured out the flour, cocoa powder, and other ingredients, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of anticipation. The aroma of melted chocolate filled the kitchen, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that momentarily eased the pressure of my to-do list.
The baking process was surprisingly therapeutic. The gentle simmering of the sauce, the soft rising of the sponge, it was a soothing counterpoint to the frenetic pace of my daily life. And, when the pudding emerged from the oven, its appearance was nothing short of spectacular. The rich, dark pudding with a perfectly formed sponge on top. I felt a surge of pride and accomplishment, a small victory in a week full of challenges.
The taste was even more delightful than I had imagined. The perfect combination of rich, dark chocolate and a slightly nutty sponge. It was comforting and nostalgic, a taste that reminded me of childhood memories, albeit ones slightly different to the ones intended by the recipe writer. I served it to my family, and the universal sigh of satisfaction was reward enough. It was more than just a dessert; it was a moment of shared joy, a pause in the whirlwind of our lives. It was a perfect reminder that even amidst the chaos, there's always room for a little indulgence.
I found that the recipe easily caters to a large group. My eight year old was particularly taken with it, helping to create a wonderfully delicious family meal. I would also heartily recommend experimenting with this recipe; the versatility of this base means it can be used with a variety of ingredients, including seasonal fruits, different types of nuts, and various spice mixes. My advice for anyone is to try it; it is a perfect after dinner treat, and a wonderful way to end a long day. I will certainly be adding this to my regular baking repertoire.
This experience taught me a valuable lesson about the power of simple pleasures. In our fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life, but taking the time to create something delicious, something that brings joy to ourselves and our loved ones, is invaluable. It's a small act of self-care, a reminder that even amidst the chaos, there's always room for a little sweetness.
So, whether you're a seasoned baker or a complete novice, I highly recommend giving this Sticky Chocolate Pudding a try. It's a simple recipe with delicious results, perfect for sharing and for creating lasting memories. And that, my friends, is a recipe worth cherishing.
