Sharing the Love and the Chocolate!

Before I share this yummy recipe with you, did you know that this is the 400th post since I started writing this blog in 2009?  When we moved to the mtns from metro Atlanta, my daughter thought I would be bored and that this blog would keep me busy ( and she would have all of my favorite recipes in one place!). Thank you, Kelley for pushing me into the blogging world where I have been entertained, met new friends and reconnected with old ones. I hope some of you have learned a few things along the way, have eaten lots of good food and enjoyed following the antics of our crazy family! Happy Valentine's Day! I love you all! Hugs, Helen

Oh Fudge! 

Don't you just hate recipes that either require you to make a special trip to the grocery store for an insanely long  list OR you get ready to make it and THINK you have all the ingredients only to find that one crucial ingredient is missing?? The ingredients in this recipe are almost guaranteed to be found in everyone's pantry/refrigerator.  Ingredients aside, you'll LOVE the warm, gooey lusciousness of this pudding cake! What a great thing to make for your Valentine! 

• 
  
• Hot Fudge Pudding Cake
• 1-1/4 cups sugar, divided
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa, divided
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/3 cup butter, melted
• 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
• 1-1/4 cups hot water
• Whipped topping or Vanilla Ice Cream

Heat oven to 350°F. Combine 3/4 cup granulated sugar, flour, 1/4 cup cocoa, baking powder and salt. Stir in milk, butter and vanilla; beat until smooth. 

Pour batter into ungreased 9-inch square baking pan. Stir together remaining 1/2 cup granulated sugar, brown sugar and remaining 1/4 cup cocoa; sprinkle mixture evenly over batter. Pour hot water over top; do not stir. 

Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until center is almost set. Remove from oven; let stand 15 minutes. Serve in dessert dishes, spooning sauce from bottom of pan over top. Garnish with whipped topping, if desired. Makes 9 (1/2 cup) servings.