February 2022 web

their help and guidance, I never
would’ve been able to excel in
rowing. Being with them every
day made me feel like we were a
family. The supportive culture of
the team made a huge difference
in my training. We had a lot of
fun, but part of that support also
revolved around holding each
other accountable and pushing
each other to continuously
do better. Over time, my
understanding of the sport and
my strengths and weaknesses
improved greatly. I learned how
to be more coordinated and in
control on water, and I continued
to get stronger, both physically
and mentally. I also learned how
to get out of my comfort zone,
become more strategic, and
implement the feedback I was
given.
Eventually, my performance
improved to the point
where I started to feel like I was
actually worthy of being on this
amazing team.
It’s been almost 24
months since I joined the Y Quad
Cities Rowing team. In less than
two years, I have been fortunate
to earn several top medals along
with my teammates at nationally
recognized rowing events across
the country. I have had the
pleasure to meet and row with
many of the elite high school
rowers in our country.
It is hard for me to
believe I have come this far in
such a short amount of time.
I’ve worked extremely hard,
and I’m proud of my efforts, but
I also know that none of this
would’ve been possible without
the top-notch training, support,
and encouragement I received
from the fantastic Y Quad
Cities Coaches and my trusted
teammates. The program is
absolutely amazing.
The biggest thing
I’ve learned from my rowing
experience so far is that when an
opportunity presents itself, even
if it seems like a long shot, take
a chance, be committed, and go
for it!
I am excited to share that I
have committed to row at Boston
University, and will be attending
The School of Arts and Sciences
there this coming fall, Class of
2026!
Thank you to everyone
who has believed in me, and
supported me.
With
Ela Ersan
PVHS Senior
Pleasant Valley High School Student
DARK CHOCOLATE PUDDING
WITH MALTED CREAM!
I love dark chocolate anything and this pudding is
amazing! A deliciously rich and creamy treat. Perfect for
Valentine’s Day or anytime!
INGREDIENTS
FOR THE PUDDINGS
- 60g butter , plus extra for the ramekins
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 100g 70% dark chocolate
- 2 eggs
- 100g caster sugar
- ½ tsp malt powder (we used Ovaltine)
FOR THE CREAM
- 100ml double cream
- 2 tbsp muscovado sugar
- 1 tbsp malt powder
TO SERVE
- 9 Maltesers , crushed into large chunks
- 3 glacé cherries , cut in half
- 1 tbsp chopped salted pistachios
METHOD
STEP 1- Butter three ramekins, dust with cocoa and set aside.
Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Melt the butter and
chocolate in a bowl over a pan of simmering water. In a separate
bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy, then
whisk in the chocolate mixture with the malt powder and a pinch
of salt. Divide the mixture between the ramekins and bake for 14
mins until they are just cooked with a slight wobble in the middle
to make a fondant, or 18 mins for a pudding. Remove from
the oven, turn out and serve warm now, or leave to cool in their
ramekins.
STEP 2- Whisk the cream, sugar and malt powder together to
soft peaks. Carefully turn the puddings out onto plates, then pile on
the Maltesers, cherries and pistachios, and serve with the malted
cream!
bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/dark-chocolate-pudding-malted-cream
QC Family Focus I February 2022 9