Irish Steamed Chocolate Pudding

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

Ingredients

• 9 ounces semisweet chocolate
• 3/4 cup butter
• 6 eggs, separated
• 1 cup sugar, divided
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

Recipe

• 1 fill the kettle and set it on to boil.
• 2 melt the chocolate and butter together; set aside.
• 3 beat the egg whites until foamy, gradually add 1/2 cup sugar (still beating), then beat to soft peaks; set aside.
• 4 beat the egg yolks, gradually adding the remaining sugar.
• 5 continue beating until the mixture has about tripled in volume, and the sugar is dissolved. the yolks should look light yellow.
• 6 add the chocolate mix to the yolks, beating until blended.
• 7 then add the flour, beating on low speed until thoroughly mixed.
• 8 fold the mixture into the egg whites.
• 9 when completely mixed, pour into a very well greased 7 cup pudding basin, or a bowl suitable for use on the stove.
• 10 if using the bowl, construct a lid as follows: cut a piece of wax paper large enough to cover the bowl, with some excess for folding. fold a one inch pleat in the middle of the wax paper. do the same with a piece of aluminum foil. cover the bowl with the wax paper, then with the foil, lining up the pleats. secure with kitchen twine; cut off any excess.
• 11 you may wish to construct a lifter out of twine, or you can use two spatulas to lift the pudding.
• 12 pour about two inches of water into a pot large enough to fit your pudding basin. place the basin inside and cover the pot.
• 13 keep the water in the pot boiling for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours. (you will need to add more boiling water from the kettle from time to time.).
• 14 the pudding will be firm and cakelike on top when it is finished. if you are not sure, boil it longer, it can't be overdone.
• 15 once it is ready, let it cool for a few minutes in the basin, then turn it out on a plate.
• 16 you may serve it warm or let it "age" in an airtight container, which will richen the flavor.