KEY POINTS:
Chocolate contains antioxidants, and we all need those.
So how about chocolate meringue, chocolate raspberry truffles and a flourless chocolate cake made with chestnut puree? All sinfully decadent and good at any time of the day - though each recipe is well suited to after dinner when a special wee something is called for.
The truffles need to be made a few hours in advance so they have time to set and it is essential to use the best quality chocolate and cocoa you can find. They will melt in your mouth. Popping a raspberry in the centre of each provides a nice surprise. Eliminating the flour in the cake enables the pure flavour of the chocolate to be the hero.
CHEF'S TIP
Chestnut puree can be found at gourmet food stores. It is a French product - a divine puree of chestnuts and vanilla which adds an extra flavour to the cake and can also be used as a filling for pastries or mixed with yoghurt.
Before spring brings on the salad season, how about a few sweet treats to see out winter's chill?