posted by Carol on Dec 28
For a special occasion try this super rich moist cake. Lots of butter and almonds give this rich cake its moist texture. It will be a favourite with the family and guests alike. It takes about three quarter of an hour to cook and the preparation time is 25 minutes. Serves 10 – 12
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posted by Carol on Dec 28
These delicious cocktails using chocolate based liqueurs like Crème de Cacao, Kahlua and Royal Chocolate Liqueur are lovely drinks for any party or celebration like weddings, anniversaries, Valentine’s Day, Christmas, etc.
posted by Carol on Dec 28
Makes about 20 - If you have an electric mixer, meringue is very easy to make but looks impressive.
posted by Carol on Dec 28
Serves just 2 - three is definitely a crowd on Valentine’s Day.
A Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry Photographic Print
Buy at AllPosters.com
Ingredients
1lb stawberries
12oz best plain (semi-sweet) chocolate
Method
1. Leave the stems on the strawberries. They make a nice little ‘handle’. Wash and dry them and then put in the refrigerator to chill.
2. Melt the chocolate (see Basic Techniques if you don’t know how to do this).
3. Let the chocolate cool slightly, but it should not set. Take the strawberries from the refrigerator and, holding each one by its stem, dip it halfway into the chocolate so each one is half covered, then place on non-stick kitchen paper.
4. Put them back into the refrigerator to set but remove them about an hour before serving.
5. For a romantic evening, serve by candlelight with the best champagne you can afford!
posted by Carol on Dec 28
This delicious rich chocolate cake is ideal for celebrating Valentine’s Day with your partner.
Chocolate Cake Dessert at O’Farrell Restaurant, Acassuso, Buenos Aires, Argentina Photographic Print
Buy at AllPosters.com
Ingredients
9oz semi sweet (plain) chocolate
7oz ground almonds
6oz butter
1/2 cup (4ozs) fine grained (caster) sugar
4 eggs
5 or 6tbs strawberry jelly (jam)
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 350 deg F (180 deg C). Line the base of a 9 inch square cake pan and grease well. (A romantic touch would be to use a heart shaped cake pan). 2. Melt 6 ozs of the chocolate (see techniques).
3. Separate the egg whites from the yolks and beat the whites until they form stiff peaks.
4. In a separate bowl, beat 4ozs of the butter with the sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in the almonds, egg yolks and cooled melted chocolate. Beat until well mixed.
5. Carefully fold the egg whites into the chocolate and almond mixture and pour into the cake pan.
6. Bake for about 55 minutes until firm. Allow to cool in the pan for about five minutes and the turn onto a cooling tray.
7. When cold, spread the strawberry jelly (jam) over the top of the cake. Do not worry if the cake sinks a little or if there are any cracks, as they will be covered by the frosting.
8. For the frosting put the remaining butter and chocolate into a basin and melt as shown in techniques. Stir together well until smooth and glossy and pour on the top of the cake, and spread evenly.
