CHOCOLATE IDEAS FOR CHRISTMAS RECIPES

Steps:

• 1. Preheat the oven to 180ºC/350ºF/gas 4.
  2. Tear off a large piece of greaseproof paper, scrunch it up under cold water, then unfold and use it to line a 20cm square baking tin.
  3. Snap the chocolate into a heatproof bowl, dice the butter and add with a pinch of sea salt. Melt over a pan of gently simmering water, stirring regularly, then remove from the heat and leave to cool slightly.
  4. Crack the eggs into a large bowl, then add the sugar and whisk until light, pale and fluffy.
  5. Sieve in the flour, followed by the cocoa. Whisk to combine, then fold through the melted chocolate.
  6. Spoon the mixture into the lined tin and spread it out evenly. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until crisp on the outside but slightly wobbly.
  7. Leave to cool in the tin for 15 minutes before slicing and serving warm – delicious with vanilla ice cream, crushed hazelnuts and caramel popcorn.

Steps:

• 1. Preheat the oven to 160ºC/320ºF/gas 3. Grease a 20cm springform cake tin with a little butter and line with greaseproof paper.
  2. Rest a medium heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water on a medium-low heat. Break in the chocolate, roughly chop and add the butter, then allow to melt, stirring occasionally until smooth and glossy.
  3. Carefully remove the bowl from the heat, stir in the coffee and set aside to cool slightly.
  4. Separate the egg yolks and whites between two large bowls. Whisk the egg whites for 1 to 2 minutes, or until soft peaks form.
  5. Add the sugar to the yolks and beat for 7 minutes, or until pale. Sift in the cocoa powder and 1 pinch of sea salt, then gently fold through to combine.
  6. Stir in the melted chocolate mixture, then gently fold through the egg whites until smooth.
  7. Transfer to the prepared tin and place in the hot oven for around 1 hour, or until an inserted skewer comes out clean.
  8. Allow to cool completely on a wire cooling rack, then serve with a dusting of cocoa powder and fresh berries.