This comes from The New Settlement Cookbook, the first real cookbook I everowned, though that particular book fell apart from all the wonderful use it got...this is my second copy.  Two things I really like about this recipe
are that I can put it together quickly and "bake" it in the microwave...minutes later, we're happily burning our tongues on it...and how relatively low in fat it is!

Chocolate Pudding Cake

  • 1 cup flour
  • 2 t. baking powder
  • 1/2 t. salt
  • 2/3 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 square unsweetened chocolate, grated (1 ounce)*
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts**
  • 2 T. melted butter
  • 1 t. vanilla extract

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    Sift flour, baking powder, salt and sugar into bowl.  Add milk, chocolate, nuts, butter, vanilla, and blend well.  Pour mixture into a greased baking dish.***
     

    Topping
     

  • 1/4 cup white sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 3 squares (3 ounces) unsweetened chocolate, grated, or 3 T. unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 t. salt
  • 1 t. vanilla
  • 1 cup boiling water

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    Combine sugars, chocolate, salt and vanilla, and spread evenly over first mixture.  Pour the boiling water over this but do not stir.  Bake in a moderate oven, 350F, for 1 hour, until the cake that rises to the top tests done.****

    There will be a layer of fudge sauce beneath.  Can be served warm or cold, with or without cream.

    * I further reduce fat content by substituting 3 T. cocoa powder + 1 t. melted butter or margarine.

    ** I omit the nuts...to reduce fat and also because we prefer it without nuts, but if you're so inclined, walnuts work with this.

    *** When I cook this in the microwave, I use an 8" square glass or Corningware dish.

    **** If using the microwave, allow 8 to 9 minutes on high (750-watt oven, adjust for your own particular nuker), turning quarter way around halfway through the cooking time (or use lazy susan).