I don’t know if it’s the colder weather but something is bringing on
my constant hankering for things sweet, particularly those of the dark
chocolate kind.
Unusually for me, when I arrived home from work I dove straight into
the pantry and set to work. No guilt
feelings about “spoiling my tea” – a refrain from childhood which has stuck
with me. I wasn’t in any mood for guilt
trips today. Dessert was coming
early. There were cravings to satisfy.
Not much more than half an hour later I was consuming one of these
little beauties. Not before the
obligatory photo shoot though - hurried due to the impending natural shut down
of light (and the fact that I just wanted to eat one!).
I first came upon these at a friend’s house when a guest
brought along all the required ingredients and set about rustling these up, employing
whipping assistants (no, really!) and effortlessly presenting the puds in pretty
pastel ramekins of different shades. Glorious.
So here they are – impressive yet simple. Serve them with single or
whipped cream if you like but they tasted just fine on their own. Craving satisfied – tick. For now…..
Soft-centred chocolate puddings
Serves 4
200g (7oz) good quality dark chocolate, chopped
100g (3 ½ oz) unsalted butter, chopped
3 eggs, lightly beaten
115g (1/2 cup) caster sugar
2 tbsp plain flour
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
Place the butter and chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a
saucepan of simmering water (make sure the water does not touch the bowl). Stir until just melted.
Mix the eggs, sugar and flour in a bowl until just combined. Gradually pour in the chocolate mixture,
stirring all the time.
Pour the chocolate mix into four 1-cup size (250ml) ovenproof
ramekins and place on a baking tray.
Bake for about 15 minutes until the edges are set.
Dust with icing sugar – or don’t.
It’s up to you.
As easy as that.