Dark Chocolate and Guinness Fondants

1. Pour the Guinness into a medium pan and bring to the boil.  Once boiling, turn the temperature down and simmer for 10 minutes until the liquid has reduced to 100ml.
   
   
2. Once reduced add the sugar and the cornflour, stir until thick.  Once thickened and at a spoon-able consistency, removed form the heat and allow to cool down.
   
   
3. Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.  Gradually add the eggs, and then fold in the flour, cocoa powder and hot water.
   
   
4. Divide half the cake mixture evenly between the ramekins, spoon in a teaspoon of the stout sauce then add a piece of dark chocolate.  Now spoon in the remaining cake mixture into each fondant, making sure the dark chocolate piece is covered.
   
   
5. Bake on fullSteam for 12 minutes, making sure the top of the ramekins are covered with a sheet of greaseproof paper to prevent the water condensing onto the puddings.
   
   
6. Serve with a dusting of icing sugar.

Tip

Before adding the cornflour, mix with a little water or Guinness to make a paste so that the sauce is smooth and no lumps are present.