So...just because my taste buds lean heavily to the savoury tastes in Life - that doesn't mean I don't appreciate and accept that a vast number of the population are chocoholics to varying degrees. I also accept that those 'degrees' of chocoholism can range from the occasional 'imbiber' (...?is that what you call it?...) through the 'binge' consumer, to the totally addicted, can't go without for 'x' hours (or minutes??).
So with these often weighty thoughts in mind, I will share a few quick and easy recipes and ideas that I produce for the sweet-tooths who share my table sometimes.
Some simple snacky type treats include -
SLICES of Marzipan (bought in a small log), sandwiched between Large Choc Buttons.
PRUNES with Marzipan inserted, dipped into melted Chocolate...then chilled
DRIZZLE melted chocolate into pitted Dates and top with Walnut or Pecan.
DRIED fruits with half dipped into melted chocolate - then placed on clingwrap or baking paper and chilled
FRESH apricots, apples, pears, banana chips, mango spears, sliced, and either dipped into melted chocolate as for Dried Fruits,
OR - mix of slices served on individual plates, with small individual bowls of melted chocolate for each guest to dip into themselves. (And if it's all getting too chocolatey - provide small, individual bowls of fruity yoghurt instead)
OR you could serve a chocolate fondue, with your preferred selection of fresh fruit, and of course, forks for dipping. Check out this recipe -
CHOCOLATE RUM FONDUE
250g dark or cooking chocolate
85ml thickened cream
2 tablespoons Rum
2 tablespoons orange juice
Break chocolate into squares, melt with cream, rum and orange juice in a fondue dish or heatproof bowl over pan of hot water. Keep warm. Can use your preference of any other Liqueur - OR no alcohol at all.
Alternatively, you can serve Fondue with sponge finger biscuits. Your choice!
How about some Chocolate Sauce to serve warm or cold over icecream - or fruit - or both! Check out -
CHOCOLATE MINT SAUCE
12 Chocolate Peppermint Creams - and - 1/2 cup cream
Gently melt Peppermint creams in small bowl over saucepan of boiling water. Stir well as you slowly add the cream. Ready to go!
And if your preference is for some other flavour than Peppermint, try melting one of your favourite flavours of chocolate bars, or individual chocolates.
And there there is of course, the famous and much-loved Rocky Road. Have you ever made your own? It's really not hard at all, and you are only limited by your imagination as to what you wish to include in the ingredients. Start like this, and then 'fly' -
ROCKY ROAD
400g chocolate
75g copha (or white vegetable shortening)
1 packet mixed pink and white marshmallows
1 cup crushed nuts.
Line tin with non-stick baking paper.
Place chocolate and copha in bowl and microwave on Medium Heat for 4 mins., stirring every min. cool slightly.
Cut marshmallows Into halves, and add to cooled (not chilled) chocolate mixture with nuts. Mix well so nuts and marshmallows are well coated.
Pour into prepared tin. Chill until set.
Cut into squares to serve.
Now it's up to you to vary the nuts and the colour of the marshmallows - or to add some dried fruits - like sultanas, or maybe chopped dried apricots - or ginger...that would be great! As I said, 'fly with your imagination'.
Or how about these?
CHOCOLATE MACADAMIA CLUSTERS
300g dark Chocolate
250g coarsely chopped macadamia nuts
½ cup shredded coconut.
Melt chocolate in bowl in Microwave for 2 mins on High, stirring after first min.
Add nuts and coconut to chocolate. Mix well.
Place tablespoons of mixture on foil lined tray. Chill. Enjoy!
So there you go, see? Easy to prepare and serve for your Sweetest Friends...even if you choose not to be indulging yourself.