Chocolate Sticky-date puddings

Recipe Categories : | All Desserts | Hot Desserts | Easter | MAIN INDEX |

Makes : 8

Ingredients :

• 1 cup coarsely chopped dried dates
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 tspn bicarbonate of soda
• 50g unsalted butter
• ¾ cup brown sugar, firmly packed
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup self-raising flour
• ice-cream to serve
  for Chocolate Sauce :
• 1 x 300ml carton thickened cream
• ¼ cup brown sugar, firmly packed
• 100g dark chocolate, finely chopped
• ¼ cup Irish whiskey cream liqueur

Preparation and Cooking Instructions :

1. Grease 8 ovenproof dishes (½ cup capacity).
2. Place dates, cocoa, water and soda in food processor; cover with lid. Stand mixture for 5 minutes without processing. Add butter and sugar; process until almost smooth. Add eggs and flour; process until just combined.
3. Divide mixture among prepared dishes. Place dishes in a large baking dish; fill with enough boiling water to come halfway up sides of ovenproof dishes.
4. Cook in a moderate oven, 180°C, for about 35 minutes or until cooked when tested. Remove puddings from baking dish; stand for 10 minutes.
5. For chocolate Sauce : Place cream and sugar in a small pan; stir over low heat until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat; stir in chocolate and liqueur until smooth.
6. Serve puddings with Chocolate sauce and ice-cream.