Indulge with a tasty hot chocolate pudding treat

THESE irresistible chocolate mini-puddings make a fabulous treat.

Easily prepared in advance and refrigerated or frozen until ready to bake. Always serve straight from the oven – just as the chocolate filling oozes out!

Ingredients (makes five):

● 115g unsalted butter

● 125g dark chocolate – 70% cocoa solids

● 2 level tbsp plain flour

● 2 level tbsp cocoa powder

● 2 large eggs plus 2 egg yolks

● 115g caster sugar

Recipe:

Pre-heat the oven to 180c.

Butter the base and sides of five ramekin dishes and dust with cocoa powder, shaking off any excess.

● Put a baking tray in the oven.

● Chop the butter and chocolate into a heatproof bowl stood over a pan of simmering water. Stir until melted, then remove from the heat and set aside to cool down.

In another bowl beat together the eggs, yolks and sugar with an electric mixer until pale and fluffy.

Gently fold in the chocolate mixture followed by the flour. Immediately divide between the five ramekins, if you are not ready to eat the puddings at this stage they can be kept in the fridge for a couple of hours.

When ready to cook, put the ramekins on the hot baking tray and bake for 12-15 minutes until the tops are set and pulling away from the sides of the dishes. Turn out immediately onto serving plates to prevent further cooking. Serve with cream, custard or ice cream. Sensational!

IS chocolate good for us? That’s the million dollar question! Due to higher cocoa content, most dark chocolate is polyphenol rich and lower in sugar than milk chocolate, and if it puts a smile on your face then it really must be good for you!

Lesley co-owns Roberto’s Italian on Southport’s Ocean Plaza with husband Roberto. She has a BScHons in Nutrition and Health. For more of Lesley’s Recipes go to: Facebook.com/robertossouthport / www.robertositalian.co.uk