Grandma J's Chocolate Fudge Pudding

More of a British pudding than an American one (since it's almost like a super-moist fudgy cake in a fudgy syrup), this awesomely simple and delicious recipe was passed down from my grandma to my dad, and then he shared it with me. I think it's best served warm with ice cream (it's like a big chocolate hug), but it's also awesome with whipped cream or on its own.

Though there's nothing fancy or complex about the recipe, it will always be one of those recipes that instantly brings me back to dinners with family and makes me think of my grandma (the cutest and tiniest lady I think I've ever met, who also taught me how to sew). I'm sure there are loads of variations on this recipe, but this is my grandma's version (which means it's the most delicious one).

Note: According to a note on my grandma's recipe, in 1954 (when my dad was 7) this recipe (which makes 8 servings) cost a total of 32¢. It's still not particularly pricey, but I'm sure it's a little more than that.


You'll Need. . .
Software:

• 1 cup flour, sifted
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons cocoa
• 1/2 cup milk (you can use soy milk if you'd like to make it vegan)
• 2 tablespoons melted shortening (I use butter instead - to make it vegan you can use any type of substitute you'd like)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans (you can also use walnuts or the nuts can be omitted if desired and you can use chocolate chips instead)
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed

Hardware:

• Mixing bowl (you can use two separate bowls if you want - I just use one)
• Mixing spoon
• 1 quart baking dish (lightly greased)
• Pot to boil water (or microwave-safe container and microwave)
• Sieve (or similar) to sift the dry ingredients
• Measuring cups and spoons

How To

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
2. Sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons of the cocoa
3. Add the milk, shortening (or butter), and vanilla and mix only until smooth (seriously, do not over mix - it will be tough and icky if you do)
4. Add nuts or chocolate chips and give one or two stirs
5. Place in a greased, shallow baking dish
6. Bring 1 1/2 cups water up to a boil (I know, it sounds weird)
7. Mix together the brown sugar and remaining 4 tablespoons cocoa
8. Sprinkle over the mixture in baking dish
9. Pour the boiling water over the top (do not mix the water in, just pour it on top - I know, you really want to mix it in because this sounds totally weird, but it'll be alright)
10. Bake for 40 minutes
11. Serve warm (with ice cream - yum!) or keep it in the fridge and sneak bites frequently