Cutting costs

I think about all the ways I have cut back. Especially since we don't have that many living at home. And the one who does live at home, doesn't want to act like he's living at home. He takes care of himself in every way. But I still do the dishes in the sink.

I have a great little book called

Small Batch Baking. Well, being on Atkins, I don't do much baking. But I have a wonderful recipe I want to share. This is a warm chocolate bread pudding for two~

Unsalted butter for greasing 2 ramekins.

3/4 c half and half

2 oz. bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped

1 large egg

3 T sugar

pinch of salt

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

2 c stale bread cubes

Place rack in center of 325 degree oven. Lightly grease the ramekins. Place them on a baking sheet for easier handling. Set aside.

Pour 1/2 and 1/2 into small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium high heat. Remove the pan from the heat and add the chopped chocolate, swirling the pan to immerse the chocolate in the hot half and half. Let it stand until the chocolate softens, 1 minute. Then stir until the mixture is smooth.

Place the egg, sugar, salt, and vanilla in a medium sized bowl and whisk until the mixture is frothy, about 2o seconds. Continue to whisk as you gradually pour in the chocolate cream. Add the bread cubes, pressing them down with a spatula to submerge them, let the mixture stand, pressing on the bread occasionally to keep it submerged, until the bread is saturated, about 10 minutes.

Spoon the mixture in the prepared ramekins. Bake until they are set- 30 minutes. Remove from oven, transfer them to wire rack and cool for 10 minutes.

To serve: unmold the puddings. Run a sharp knife around the edges and invert onto serving plates. You can serve them with an Anglaise.