I know lots of people aren’t keen on Valentine’s Day and either see it as a commercial con or a day of misery if they don’t have a love interest to share it with. I don’t think it has to be either day. I think it’s a fab excuse to spoil yourself or someone in your life who you appreciate – be it a friend or a parent or someone you work with who helps make your life a little bit brighter. In addition it doesn’t have to cost a fortune – an extra few kind words or a small gesture is probably enough to brighten up someone’s day.
Personally we had a special meal at home and I made my husband his favourite dessert of pavlova. I made myself “chocolate pots” which are basically pots/cup/glasses of luscious chocolate ganache – amazing!!
Now personally, pavlova doesn’t rock my world but chocolate does so I thought I’d share the recipe...
200g milk chocolate & 100g plain chocolate (at least 70% cocoa solids) (you can play around with the ratios here depending on your own chocolate tastes)
450ml single cream
knob of butter
1 tsp of brandy (can be substituted for other flavours – e.g. orange juice, rum, flavoured liquoer and increased depending on your tastes)
Place the cream with the teaspoon of brandy and the knob of butter in a saucepan on a medium heat. Break up the chocolate and add to the cream and butter and slowly heat until fully melted and incorporated. Keep mixing the contents of the saucepan and be careful not to allow anything to stick or burn at the bottom.
When everything is fully mixed, add the mixture to your containers of choice – shot glasses, espresso cups are perfect for a small chocolatey hit! Allow the ganache to set in the fridge and after a couple of hours it is ready to serve – be it with compote, coulis, fruit, cream, ice cream etc...
Makes about 6 medium portions
Enjoy!!
LoubouLush xxx
