Heerlike Poeding

Source: Paul Malan

This is a recipe from South Africa, but I do not know whether or not it originated there. "Heerlike Poeding" (pronounced "here-lick-a pudding") literally means "Delicious Pudding" in Afrikaans. This is not a dessert to be served at refined dinner parties. However, it is a truly delicious baked pudding in the blue collar tradition that is perfect for hearty appetites on cold, wintry days. It's easy to make, too.

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 tablespoons apricot jam
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon vinegar
1 egg
Pinch of salt (about 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon)

Beat egg and sugar. Add remaining ingredients except milk. Mix well, then add milk and mix well again. (The mixture will be very liquid, but that's okay.) Bake for one hour at 350 degrees F in a deep uncovered casserole dish -- say about 7 to 8 inches square or round and 3 or 4 inches deep.

Just before the hour is up, prepare the following syrup:

1/2 cup boiling water
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla essence
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons butter or margarine

Bring the syrup to the boil, then pour it into the dish, while the pudding is still hot from the oven. Let stand for a few minutes before serving.

Can be served with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Leftovers may be reheated either in the oven or microwave. It seems to taste even better the second time around!