Bob's Version Of Northamptonshire Chocolate Pudding

Total Time: 2 hrs 50 mins Preparation Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 2 hrs 30 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 6
• 5 fluid ounces milk
• 4 ounces soft white breadcrumbs
• 4 ounces best plain dark chocolate
• 4 ounces sugar
• 5 drops vanilla essence (optional)
• 2 large eggs, separated
• 3 ounces butter

Recipe

• 1 warm the milk and butter until the butter melts. add the chocolate ( use best eating dark chcolate of at least 70% coca solids )and stir over gentle heat until that has melted.
• 2 fold in the breadcrumbs and vanilla ( if used - optional ) and stir over gentle heat 5 - 10 minutes until smooth and glossy, with all the oiliness absorbed.
• 3 set aside until it has cooled to hand hot, then stir in the egg yolks and sugar until smooth again.
• 4 beat the egg whites until thick, then fold them in very gently, about ¼ at a time.
• 5 lightly butter a pudding basin, put a disc of buttered greaseproof paper in the bottom of it to prevent sticking, and gently pour in the mixture.
• 6 cover basin tightly with foil, steam or place in a covered pan of hot water at a gentle boil for 2 - 2½ hours. a knife inserted in the centre should be slightly coated with gooey cakey mix for perfection.
• 7 turn out, serve with cream.