Can I Make Chocolate Pear Pudding Without A Food Processor?

Our answer

Nigella's Chocolate Pear Pudding (from NIGELLA EXPRESS) has tinned (canned), drained pears that are covered in a chocolate sponge. The pudding is served with a warm chocolate sauce. The sponge batter is blitzed in seconds in a food processor, helping to make this an "express" recipe.

It is possible to make the sponge batter in a mixer, or even by hand with a bowl, wooden spoon and plenty of elbow grease, though it will take a little extra time. Start by sifting or whisking together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and bicarbonate of soda (baking soda). Beat the butter, vanilla extract and sugar together until pale and fluffy, then beat in the eggs, one at a time. With the mixer on the slowest speed, add the cocoa and flour mixture and mix until just combined, or fold in the flour and cocoa mixture by hand. Scoop the sponge batter over the pears and continue with the recipe.