Dark chocolate almond and sea salt bark

Jan 24, 2014

This is a really easy recipe to put together. It’s basically hardening melted chocolate, but by adding a few ingredients you can make it a little more special. Wrap it in a ribbon or put it in a cute box with some coloured paper for the perfect gift.

What you’ll need:

300g good quality dark chocolate
100g almonds
coarse sea salt

What you’ll need to do:

Line a flat baking tray with parchment paper and set aside.
Lightly toast the almonds under the grill, keeping a close eye because you don’t want them to burn.
Remove and when cool, coarsely chop the almonds – you want a good mixture of big and small pieces and you can even leave some whole.
In a glass bowl over a saucepan of simmering, water melt the chocolate.
Combine half the chopped almonds with the chocolate.
Pour the mixture evenly over the baking tray and sprinkle the remaining almonds on top.
Leave to harden overnight or for about 2-3hrs.
Sprinkle the coarse sea salt over the chocolate bark, break into pieces and serve.

Bailey’s chocolate truffles

Jan 17, 2014

by Amber Saunders

These truffles are very easy to make and can be prepared the day before and left in the fridge until you need them. Rich and dense, the perfect after-dinner treat!

What you need:

400g dark chocolate, broken into small pieces
250ml double cream
100ml Bailey’s
cocoa powder, to coat

What you do:

In a saucepan, heat the cream until it is nearly boiling, but do not allow it to actually boil.
Pour the cream over the chocolate pieces and allow the chocolate to melt. When it has melted, stir in the Bailey’s.
Place the mixture in a bowl that will later allow you to shape the truffles, perhaps a wide casserole dish.
Refrigerate the mixture for 1-2 hours until it has hardened.
Put some cocoa powder on a plate.
Shape the truffles using your hands and roll the balls in the cocoa powder; then place on a serving plate.
Continue until the mixture is used and all of the truffles are coated with cocoa powder.

Butler’s Chocolate Valentine’s Day collection

Jan 15, 2014

by Amber Saunders

There’s less than a month until Valentine’s Day, so if you’re already thinking ahead, we have a great idea for you.

The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach so why not stay in that night and make him something amazing as a treat?

Butler’s have announced their Chocolate Experience Valentine’s Day Cookery Demo taking place Feb 1st, where you can learn to cook a range of exquisite chocolate recipes, such as Decadent Chocolate Cocktail and Cupid’s Chocolate Honey and Almond cake.

Definitely a lovely gift that’s fun for both of you, so head over to Butler’s website now for more information, dates and to book tickets.

Easy banoffee pots

Jan 13, 2014

by Amber Saunders

Soooo much easier than a regular banoffee pie, and with no waste. Adjust the ingredients according to your number of guests. Whip up this dessert in minutes for an impromptu girls night in, decadent and rich but so, so simple.

What you’ll need:
Serves 4

4 small bananas
4 dark chocolate digestives, crushed
2 flakes
4 tbsp whipped cream
4 tbsp caramel (sold in cans in baking isle, also called dulce du leche)

What you do:

Slice the bananas and divide them evenly between the glasses.
Sprinkle the crushed biscuits over the banana.
Pour 1 tbsp of caramel over each dessert.
Add 2 tbsp whipped cream to each dessert.
Crumble the flakes over each dessert.
Serve chilled.

Add a touch of luxury to Christmas

Dec 12, 2013

by Amber Saunders

Chocolate is as much a part of Christmas as mistletoe, pudding and hilarious nativity plays are.

Given as a gift or bought for the movie portion of Christmas Day, a Christmas shopping list wouldn’t be complete without some chocolate.

For many years, Lindt chocolate has played an important part in the giving of gifts and treats at Christmas, making it a go-to for stocking fillers.

As well as classic favourites, like Lindt Santa, Lindt Reindeers and the much-loved Lindt Bear, Lindt has a wide range of yummy chocolate creations and edible tree decorations to enhance the

Brand new to Ireland this Christmas is the new Lindt Lindor Caramel. This harmonious blend of milk chocolate and caramel creates a unique tasting shell with the delectably smooth centre of Lindor. Perfect for everyday, sharing, entertaining or gift giving.

Also available are the special edition Lindt Lindor Stracciatella truffles. Inspired by the classic Italian ice cream recipe, this cookie and cream combination has been lovingly recreated by Lindt. The outer shell offers the dual sensation of smooth white chocolate with the crunch of rich cocoa pieces, before giving way to a sweet, smooth melting white chocolate centre.

Lindt Lindor is available in all good retailers nationwide 200g RRP €6.29 and 337g RRP €8.99.

Bake like no one’s judging

Nov 21, 2013

by Amber Saunders

After weeks of salivating at the Great Irish Bake Off, there’s no doubt that an influx of cakes, brownies and cookies have appeared in homes and offices across the country, as people test their baking skills in the kitchen.

However, with most of us lacking both time and professional baking skills, Betty Crocker is challenging you to stop worrying, grab your apron and ‘Bake like there’s nobody judging!’

From the delicious Devil’s Food Cake to rich Red Velvet Cake and from classic Carrot Cake to luscious Sunny Lemon Cake, there’s something to bring out the baking angel in us all! For the artistic types, the Chocolate Swirl Cake has never-ending spirals, creating a delicious twist on a traditional sponge.

If cakes aren’t your specialty, then prepare to be transported to brownie heaven. Chewy on top and gooey inside, brownies have become a staple treat in homes all across Ireland. With various brownie mixes such as Sticky Chocolate and Chocolate Fudge, Betty Crocker has made sure that there is something to satisfy even the biggest chocoholics!

For the ultimate sweet treat, cookies are always guaranteed to hit the spot. Choose from melt-in-the-mouth White Chocolate, deliciously crunchy and chewy Maple Syrup, or gooey Chocolate Chip.

Betty Crocker products are available in the baking aisle of all good retailers including Dunnes Stores, Tesco, Superquinn and SuperValu.