CHOCOLATE STEAMED PUDDING

1 cup sifted all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1/2 cup sugar
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1-1/2 ounces semisweet chocolate, melted and slightly cooled
1/2 cup milk
Hard sauce (optional)

• In a bowl sift together flour and baking powder and set aside.
• In a separate bowl beat butter and suger until fluffy. Add egg and beat until well incorporated. Stir in melted chocolate. Add dry ingredients in 3 additions, alternating with ; mix well. Pour into well-buttered 4-cup pudding mold with lid.
• Place lid securely on mold ad put mold into a larger pot. Add enough hot water to come halfway up the sides of mold. Cover pot and steam pudding over low heat 1 hour. Let pudding rest 15 minutes before serving with hard sauce. Serves 4 to 6