While some may not share my sentiments I actually love the school holidays. No lunch boxes, no school runs, and just generally no rushing. Yes, it does mean that productivity grinds to a halt and there is the ever present risk of cabin fever, but how wonderful it is to have a short break from the regular routine and enjoy some quality time with the little ones. We have managed to do a couple of fun outings so far, but when it is cold outside we love to huddle into the kitchen and cook or bake (i.e. make a huge mess!) together.
This is one of my go-to puddings. Rich, baked puddings are perfect for this time of year and hasn’t it been so cold in Cape Town lately? (I can almost hear my readers in the U.K. rolling their eyes.) I originally found this recipe in a magazine and have tweaked it over the years into the recipe below. It is simple enough to be whipped up whenever you feel like something sweet (especially mid week) but still rich and decadent enough to feel rather special.
Cook’s notes: this pudding can be baked in one large dish rather than individual ramekins, you may just need to adjust the baking time. You could also replace the coconut with ground nuts. Enjoy as is, or serve with vanilla bean ice cream or some fresh cream.
SAUCY CHOCOLATE AND COCONUT PUDDINGS
For the chocolate pudding:
- 1 cup flour
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- 200ml castor sugar
- pinch of salt
- 50ml cocoa
- ½ cup desiccated coconut
- 50g butter
- 1 large egg
- 180ml milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 100g dark chocolate, chopped into small chunks
For the sauce:
- 1 cup treacle sugar
- 50ml cocoa powder
- 1 cup boiling water
1.) Preheat your oven to 170°C. Grease 6 x 250ml ramekins and pop them on a baking tray.
2.) Sift the flour, baking powder, castor sugar, salt and cocoa powder into a bowl. Stir in the coconut.
3.) Melt the butter and add to the dry ingredients with the egg, milk and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined, then stir in the chocolate chunks.
4.) Divide the batter between the 6 ramekins. Make the sauce by combining the treacle sugar, cocoa and boiling water and whisking until smooth. Carefully pour some sauce into each ramekin (it will sit on top of the batter).
5.) Place the baking tray in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the cake is cooked through. When you dig your spoon into the ramekin a dark, rich sauce will be hiding at the bottom! Serve warm with cream or ice cream.
Cupcakes & Couscous 
Teresa what fun cooking with your children, enjoy every minute with them because they grow up to quickly. These chocolate puds look so decadent and delicious.
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Right you are. I'm making these tonight. Having guests for a casual supper tonight and haven't even started cooking. These look like they're going to be my lifeline!
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Ah Di, how did it go? I hope the pud was a hit! Nothing like a bit of chocolate decadence to win one's guests over. 😉
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Thank you Ev, yes I do try to cherish every moment… even the crazy ones! And at least for those manic times there's always chocolate (for me I mean!). Thanks for popping in.
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oh yum! This has been the coldest winter down here that I can remember. Have fun keeping the kidlets occupied during the holidays 🙂
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Thanks Tandy, I'm definitely looking forward to spring!
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So I pretty much can't stand baking with children, I am horrifically obsessed with keeping things tight and neat and clean while I work and children obviously derail that notion within seconds. I can however send my eldest in to bake on her own nowadays and she would love this recipe Teresa, will show it to her for Sunday.
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I can so relate Sam! This Mom gig has been a bit of a shock to my inner control freak but I am learning to embrace the chaos. I do hope your gorgeous Miss will enjoy making this recipe.
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I have made this as one large pudding and can confirm neither of us at the table were able to stop making yummy noises or saying ‘wow’ in between bites. Such a decadent treat!
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That is so great to hear! I have often made this as a large pudding and it works brilliantly. 🙂
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