HOT FUDGE PUDDING CAKE

(recipe from mom)

1 1/4 cups sugar, divided
1 cup flour
7 tbsp. cocoa, divided
2 tsp. baking powder
Salt
1/2 cup milk
1/3 cup butter or margarine, melted
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla ext.
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 1/4 cups hot water
Whipping topping (opt)

Heat oven to 350'F.
In large bowl, stir together 3/4 cup sugar, flour, 3 tbsp. cocoa, baking powder and salt. Stir in milk, butter and vanilla; beat until smooth.
Pour batter into 8 or 9 inch square pan.
Stir together remaining 1/2 cup sugar, brown sugar and remaining 4 tbsp. cocoa; sprinkle mixture evenly over batter. Pour water over top. Do not stir.
Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until center is almost set. Cool.
Serve pudding with sauce over top and whip cream if desired.