As a child, I used to beg my mother to make this for us, even when I was more than old enough to make it myself. It was a special weeknight non-fruit dessert treat that invariably came from the kitchen in a large bowl, oozingly hot and chocolatey, topped with my favourite old english toffee ice-cream.

I do have to admit, I'm not usually fond of microwave recipes.

The microwave bewilders me; it places a plastic barrier between the food and my senses, blocking out changing smells and textures and rendering me useless.  I can only gaze at the steady spinning, whirring and hoping that the 'ding' will come at the right time.

My grandmother was always equally hopeless with the microwave.  I recall her wrapping butter in aluminium foil and putting it in the microwave because someone had told her she could do that to soften it.  I also recall the zapping noises and the sparks.

This recipe is however so enticingly easy and delicious that even I and my microwave manage to call the truce long enough to make this one.

I'd be surprised if you didn't have all of the ingredients in your fridge and pantry right now and you'll be delighted to know that this pudding is prepared, cooked and served in just one dish!

You will need to consider your own microwave's power rating and adjust the time accordingly; the time is set based on the older 800 watt microwaves.  It is probably wise to drop the power down to medium-high if your microwave isn't similarly ancient.

Ingredients

• 60g butter
• 1 1/2 cups self-raising flour
• 220g caster sugar (about 1 cup)
• 25g cocoa (1/4 cup)
• 180ml milk (I use low-fat milk and it works fine)
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 1 cup brown sugar, lightly packed
• 35g (1/3 cup) cocoa, extra
• 2 cups boiling water

Method

Place butter in a large microwave-proof dish and heat on high for 60 seconds to melt. (Note: I still can't bring myself to do this and melt the butter in a pan on the stove then add to the dish)

Stir in sifted flour, caster sugar, and cocoa.  Add the milk and vanilla and beat with a wooden spoon until smooth.

Sprinkle with combined brown sugar and extra cocoa.

Carefully pour the boiling water slowly over the back of a large metal spoon and over the pudding mixture.

Cook on high for 12 minutes (Note: Eep! Try 8 minutes on medium-high in a modern microwave and see how you go) until springy-soft and just cooked in the centre.

Allow to cool for 5 minutes if you can, then serve with ice-cream or cream.

I promise it will be magic.

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