The chocolate girl

Salted Caramel and Pecan Brownies.  These Brownies are divine. The layer of salted caramel and the pecans make them extra special. Perfect for an indulgent grown up treat.  Makes 12-14 Ingredients 245g/8oz unsalted butter 245g/8oz dark chocolate 70% cocoa solids 115g/4oz plain flour 60g/2oz Cocoa powder 4 large eggs 365g/12oz golden caster sugar Pecans  Salted Caramel 200g/ 8 1/2oz caster sugar 90g/3oz salted butter, cut into pieces 120ml/half a teacup double cream  1 teaspoon of salt    Salted Caramel Method Heat caster sugar in a medium saucepan over a medium heat, stirring constantly with a heat resistant rubber spatula or spoon.  The sugar will form clumps and eventually melt into a thick brown amber coloured liquid as you continue to stir. Be careful not to burn. Once sugar is completely melted immediately add the butter. Be careful in this step because the caramel will bubble rapidly...

Mint and chocolate cheesecake.  This baked cheesecake has a ganache topping and is very moreish. A must for fans of chocolate and mint. Ingredients 90g/3oz butter                                                                                                                                            200g/7oz dark chocolate digestive biscuits, crushed  600g/1Ib 4oz full fat cream cheese  3 large eggs  150g/5oz caster sugar  H alf a teaspoon mint essence   Ganache topping 120g/4oz dark chocolate 100ml/3 and a half ounces double cream Mint aero balls to decorate Method Preheat t...

Posh Victoria.   This four-layered Victoria is perfect for a special occasion. It's made with butter and is decorated with easy to make chocolate decorations. Who doesn't enjoy a nice slice of sponge cake? Ingredients  Vanilla Victoria  180g/6oz butter 180g/6oz caster sugar 3 eggs 180g/6oz self-raising flour(sieved) splash of Vanilla essence Chocolate Victoria 180g/6oz butter 180g/6oz caster sugar 3 eggs 150g/5oz self-raising flour 30g/1oz cocoa powder Butter icing 454g/1 lb icing sugar 4 tbsp cocoa powder 240g/8oz butter white, milk and dark chocolate for decorating Method Victoria's Preheat oven to 180oC/fan 160oC/Gas Mark 4. Grease and line a 20.5/8" round deep cake tin and line the base and sides with non-stick baking parchment. Put the butter and sugar in a bowl and whisk with an electric whisk until pale and creamy. Add the egg a little at a time, beating well between each addit...

Chocolate Macaroons It's been a fair few months since I've published in my smother in chocolate blog, but I'm back and  I'm sure you'll absolutely love these little bulbs of chocolate heaven! They just disolve in your mouth. Ingredients 100g/4oz ground almonds 150g/5oz icing sugar 25g/1oz cocoa powder 4 medium eggs whites pinch of salt 50g/2oz granulated sugar 200ml/7floz double cream 200g/7oz dark chocolate, chopped - plus 25g/1oz extra melted for spinning 15g/half an ounce unsalted butter Makes 14-16 Method Preheat oven to 180oc/gas mark 4. Line a baking tray with non-stick baking parchment.  Sieve the ground almonds, icing sugar, and cocoa powder, into a medium bowl. Mix together. In a separate bowl, using a hand-held electric beater, whisk the eggs white and salt until foamy. Gradually add the granulated sugar. Continue to whisk until stiff, glossy peaks form. Using a spatula or your hand, fold the almond mix...

Chocolate Mousse nests. These indulgent chocolate nests are very quick and easy to make. Ingredients 123g x 3 chocolate Easter eggs Pack of Mini eggs 3 Flakes, broken up 108g bag Matchmaker minis 50g/ 2oz milk chocolate, melted  Mousse 100g/4oz dark chocolate (70% cocoa solids), broken into small pieces 100g/4oz dark chocolate (50% cocoa solids), broken into small pieces 125ml whipping cream 50ml milk 4 egg whites 25g/1oz caster sugar Decoration Fluffy chicks Equipment Silicone paper Small piping bag Method Split the three Easter eggs into halves using a knife to prise the two halves apart, (some brands split easier than others). Then, fill a piping bag with the melted milk chocolate, pipe six large buttons apart on to a piece of silicone paper. Place the six halves, cup side up on to the centre of each button. Set to one side. Put the chocolate pieces into a heatproof bowl. Pour the cream and milk into a small saucepan and...

Ferrero Rocher, brownie cake. This cake is incredibly rich so you won't need too big a slice. But if you're a fan of Ferrero Rocher's and Nutella, you'll find it hard to resist. Brownie cake 245g/8oz unsalted butter 245g/8oz dark chocolate, 50% cocoa solids 115g/4oz plain flour 60g/2oz cocoa powder 4 large eggs 366g/12oz golden caster sugar 90g/3oz hazelnuts, chopped Decoration 390g/13oz milk chocolate Ferrero Rocher chocolates jar Nutella cocktail sticks 60g/2oz hazelnuts, toasted and chopped Method Preheat oven to 160C/325F, Gas 2, then grease and line two 6" round cake tins. Melt the butter in a saucepan then add the chocolate, stir until melted. Sieve the cocoa powder and flour together, set aside. Using an electric hand whisk, whisk the eggs and sugar together until the mixture is the colour of whipped cream and a trail is left when you pull out the beaters. Add the melted butter and chocolate to the whisked ...

Mother's day, white chocolate and carrot cupcakes. Impress your Mum this Mothering Sunday by making her these sensational cupcakes. The carrot cake and white chocolate frosting work really well together. Ingredients 175g/6oz soft brown sugar 150ml sunflower oil 2 eggs, beaten 140g/5oz peeled and finely grated carrots 60g/2oz walnuts 100g/31/2 oz white chocolate 100g/31/2 oz wholemeal self-raising flour  100g, 31/2 oz self-raising flour 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda 1 tsp ground cinnamon half a teaspoon finely grated nutmeg Cream cheese frosting 25g/1oz unsalted butter 100g/31/2 oz full-fat soft cheese 300g/10oz icing sugar drop vanilla essence 100g/31/2 white chocolate, melted Decoration chopped walnuts finely grated white chocolate chocolate flowers or candy carrots Makes 12 Method Preheat oven to 180C/350F/Gas mark 4 and place muffin cases into a muffin tray. Chop up walnuts into small pieces and the white chocolate...