Moist microwave sponge pudding

Method
Prep:5min  ›  Cook:7min  ›  Ready in:12min 

1. Cream together the butter and sugar. Add the eggs and mix in well.
2. Slowly incorporate the flour. If you're putting fruit, etc., in your pudding, add it now. The consistency of the mixture should be slightly stiffer than cake batter. Add the milk a little at a time if you need it.
3. You need to use a safe microwaveable dish that will hold about twice the volume of the mixture. In the bottom of the bowl, put a good dollop of your topping. Spoon the sponge mixture carefully onto the topping.
4. Cover loosely with cling film and cook in the microwave for about 4 minutes, and then check it. If it needs more time, get it back in the microwave as quickly as you can. What you are aiming for is a risen sponge that looks very slightly uncooked in the centre. This can take up to 7 minutes depending on the wattage of your microwave - mine's a 700W.

Tip

Topping-wise, you have loads of options. Jam, golden syrup, lemon curd, chocolate spread, any pie filling... You can flavour the sponge of you like - with cocoa, coffee, vanilla, lemon. Adding nuts, fruit or chocolate chips is good too.

Caution

When serving, be very careful. In the past I've turned it out onto a plate but the topping, whatever it is, will be VERY hot and VERY liquid, and it will stay hot enough to really burn you because of the high sugar content. I serve it out of the dish now.