I was going to enter this for the Is My Blog Burning entry, but the brandy is such a small part of it, it hardly seemed right. However, I did make this last night and since I took pictures I thought I should share.

1 cup flour

3/4 cup sugar

3 Tbs unsweetened cocoa

2 Tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

1/8 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp instant coffee powder (optional)

1/2 cup milk

4 Tbs melted butter

1 tsp vanilla

1 Tbs dark rum or brandy

Topping:

1/2 cup brown sugar

3 Tbs unsweetened cocoa

1 2/3 cup hot water

Mix together the dry ingredients, then add the milk, butter, vanilla, and brandy or rum and mix until just combined.

Spread the batter–it will be a bit thick–into an 8 or 9 inch square baking dish.

Mix together the brown sugar and cocoa and sprinkle over the batter, then pour the hot water over it all.

Bake at 350 for about 40 minutes. Cool on a wire rack at least an hour before serving so the pudding that has formed at the bottom has a chance to set up.

This is delicious with a bit of whipped cream on top but I didn’t have any last night.