Malva Pudding (serves 4)

A sweet pudding of Dutch origin, Malva Pudding is usually served hot with custard or ice-cream. Made with apricot jam, this typical South African dessert has a spongy, caramelised texture.

Ingredients –cake:

1 cup sugar
1 cup flour
1 cup milk
1 egg
2 tbsp margarine
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 tbsp apricot jam
1 tsp white vinegar
1/4 tsp table salt

Ingredients – sauce:

1 cup cream
125g margarine
½ cup white sugar
½ cup hot water
5ml vanilla essence

Method:

1. Cream the margarine and sugar together.
2. Add the egg and beat well in a mixer.
3. Add the apricot jam and vinegar.
4. Sift the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture.
5. Mix well.
6. Pour into a deep round dish about 19cm in diameter.
7. Cover the dish with a lid or foil, then bake for one hour at 180 ºC.
8. For the sauce, melt the margarine and add the sugar and water. Stir well before adding the cream and vanilla.
9. Pour sauce over the hot baked pudding as it comes out of the oven.