Easter will soon be upon us so I thought we might try something chocolaty. It sounds a little strange, but the bitterness from the chocolate combined with that from the beer really does works. Ideal beer would be one that is not too bitter such as Jack O’ Legs. A pudding for adults only!

INGREDIENTS (serves 4)

4 tablespoons corn flour
300 ml milk
300 ml double cream
300 ml real ale
150 g granulated sugar
150 g Demerara sugar
200 g dark chocolate (70% min) broken into small pieces.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
dusting of cocoa powder

INSTRUCTIONS

In a saucepan mix both sugars with corn flour. Add the milk and heat gently before adding the cream whilst stirring. Once all the sugar has dissolved, add the beer whilst stirring and simmer until the pudding starts to thicken. When thickened, remove from the heat and stand for 5 minutes before stirring in the broken chocolate and vanilla extract. Place the saucepan back on a medium heat and stir until the chocolate has melted.

Pour the pudding into four serving dishes and leave at room temperature to cool. Once cooled, cover with cling film and place in the fridge overnight. Before serving, sprinkle with a little cocoa powder.