HOT FUDGE PUDDING

I love this dessert.  It was my dad's favorite--miss him lots! It's easy and delicious and you always have the ingredients on hand.  Hope you like it too.  I usually put pecans in it but if you prefer; leave them out.

INGREDIENTS:

1 1/4 c. sugar, divided
1 c. flour
7 T. cocoa, divided
2 t. baking powder
1/4 t. salt
1/2 c. milk
1/3 c. melted butter
1 1/2 t. vanilla
1/2 c. light brown sugar, packed
1 1/4 c. VERY hot water (not boiling)
1 c. chopped pecans (optional)
Whipped cream or ice cream

Heat oven to 350.  In medium bowl, stir together 3/4 c. white sugar, flour and 3 T. of cocoa powder, baking powder and salt.  Blend in milk, butter and vanilla. Stir until smooth. Add pecans if desired.

Pour batter into 8 or 9 inch square baking pan.

In seperate bowl, stir together remaining 1/2 c. white sugar, the brown sugar and remaining 4 T. of cocoa powder.  Sprinkle mixture evenly over the batter.

Slowly pour the hot water over the top of the batter and sugar mixture.  During baking, the water will make a pudding and sink to the bottom and the cake will rise to the top. 

Bake 35-40 min. just until set.  Let stand for 15 minutes.  Serve warm by spooning into dessert dishes, spooning some of the "pudding" on top.  Add a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream.