Chocolate Loaf Cake

• 2 tbsp cocoa
• 5 oz. water (split)
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 cup dark chocolate buttons
• 3/4 cup dark brown sugar
• 5 oz. unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup condensed milk
• 2 medium eggs
• 2 tbsp liquid glucose (available in major supermarkets), set the jar in warm water to soften
• 1 cup plain flour
• 2 tsp baking powder

Preheat the oven to 350 F.  Line a 9x5" loaf pan with baking paper.
 
In a large bowl make a paste with the cocoa and 2 ounces of cold water. Whisk in 3 ounces of boiling water, add the baking soda and chocolate buttons and whisk until melted. Set aside.
 
In a stand mixer (you can do this by hand instead), beat the sugar, butter and condensed milk together until smooth. Beat in the eggs and glucose. Sift in half the flour with the baking powder and mix through. Add the chocolate mix and mix until combined. Follow with the rest of the flour and mix until smooth.
 
Pour the mix into the prepared tin and bake for 50 minutes or until cooked - use a skewer to test, but don't cook the loaf until totally dry; there should be a light crumb on the skewer when removed. Allow to cool in the tin.
 
Dust with cocoa and serve on its own or with the roasted pears and vanilla custard.