The chocolate girl

  Viennese, chocolate orange mince pies. This recipe sounds bizarre, but actually, they are a very tasty chocoholic's version of the traditional mince pie. Even my husband a devout mince pie traditionalist was won-over by the melt in the mouth, chocolate orange centre, and crisp Viennese topping. Pastry 285g (10oz) plain flour 200g (7oz) butter(softened) 1 egg(beaten) Viennese 115g(4oz) butter, softened 30g (1oz) icing sugar, sieved 1/4 teaspoon vanilla essence 115g (four and a half ounces) plain flour 30g (1oz) cornflour Filling 411g jar Mincemeat 125g bag of chocolate orange mini's Small amount of melted chocolate orange for spinning (optional) Method Grease a 32"x24" mince pie tin and pre-set the oven to 190C, 375F, Gas mark 5. To make the pastry - sieve flour, then rub the butter into the flour with your fingers until it forms fine crumbs, then add the beaten egg and gently knead it with the palm of your hand, until

Black forest treat. The black forest gateau was popular in the 1970s and when you taste this version, you'll wonder why it ever went out of fashion.  Serves 8-10 100g (4oz) plain flour 40g (one and a half ounce) cocoa powder 6 medium eggs 200g (8oz) caster sugar 2 tablespoons hot water Filling  250g (9oz) good quality black cherry jam 300ml (10floz) double cream Topping 250g (9oz) dark chocolate, 50% cocoa solids 150ml (5floz) double cream Fresh cherries, (optional) A small amount of whipped double cream for decoration, (optional) Method Grease and line a 23 x 33 cm (9x13 in) Swiss roll tin and a 20cm (8") round, loose-bottomed cake tin. Lay a tea-towel on a work surface, cover with greaseproof or silicone paper and sprinkle with caster sugar. Pre-set oven to 200C, 400F, Gas 6. Put a sieve over a measuring jug, add the flour and cocoa powder and sift in. Crack eggs into a large mixing bowl. Add sugar, then whisk with

Chocolate orange and cranberry cookies. These are delicious, chocolate orange chunks, with a hint of cranberry. Perfect for the festive season or as a treat anytime of the year. Makes about 16 Recipe 1 small egg 75g (3oz) dried cranberries 250g (9oz) Terrys chocolate orange segments. 250g (9oz) butterlicious original spread or similar brand 50g (2oz) caster sugar 100g (4oz) soft light brown sugar 2 teaspoons natural vanilla essence 300g (11oz) plain flour 1 teaspoon baking powder Method Line 2 baking sheets with non-stick baking parchment. Set the oven to 170C, 340F, Gas 3. Crack the egg into a cup and lightly whisk with a fork. Roughly chop the chocolate orange segments into chunks. Put the spread, caster sugar, brown sugar and vanilla essence in a bowl and beat until light and fluffy. Beat in 2 tablespoons of the egg, discard or freeze any leftover. Put a sieve over the bowl, add the flour and baking powder then sift in. Add the cranberrie