(from Microwave Gourmet, page 390)
Even if you have never tried a steamed pudding, you must try this rich and moist one, a dessert to dream about.
Note: this recipe was developed for a 650- to 700-watt microwave. See Ask Barbara for instructions about adapting the recipe for high-wattage (1000-watt) microwaves.
1/4 pound plus 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
8 ounces semisweet chocolate
½ cup (packed) light brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/3 cup cake flour, sifted
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
3 eggs
Heavy cream for serving (optional)
1. Butter a 9" x 4" ceramic bowl or a 4-cup pudding basin with 2 tablespoons of the butter.2. Greate chocolate in a food processor. Add remaining 1/4 pound butter, cut into 1-tablespoon pieces, and sugar. Process until thoroughly combined.
3. Add remaining ingredients, except cream for serving, and process to a smooth mixture.
4. Pour into prepared bowl. Cover tightly with microwave plastic wrap. Cook at 100% for 5 minutes, until set.
5. Remove from oven. Pierce plastic with the tip of a sharp knife and cover top of bowl with a heavy plate; this will keep the pudding hot. Let stand for 10 minutes.
6. Unmold the pudding onto a serving plate. Serve warm or cold, with whipped cream if desired.
To make individual puddings. Cook in 2 batches of four 1/2-cup ramekins each for 1 minute 30 seconds.
To make a single, smaller pudding. Halve all ingredients and halve cooking time; cook in a smaller bowl (7" x 4") or 3-cup pudding basin. From this quantity you can, of course, prepare 1 batch of individual puddings.
