Durgan park's indian pudding

1. Scaldi 2 ½ cups milk in heavy saucepan.
2. meanwhile, place remaining ½ cup milk in small bowl and gradually whisk in cornmeal.
3. Whiski cornmeal mixture into hot milk.
4. Bring to boil and boil gently over low heat,whisking frequently, until thickened, about 15 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and stir in molasses, sugar, butter, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, salt and baking soda.
6. beat egg in small bowl.
7. Stiri in a little of hot cornmeal mixture and whisk mixture back into saucepan.
8. Pour mixture into 6 lightly oiled 1 cup ramekins and place on baking sheet.
9. bake at 275 deg. until centers are set, 1 to 1 ½ hours.
10. Cool puddings slightly.
11. Serve warm, topped with frozen vanilla yogurt or ice milk if desired.