Top Tips for Summer Lazy Days
09 Aug 2019
05 Jul 2019
As if we needed an excuse to enjoy the rich and wonderful aroma and taste of chocolate, but on Sunday it is International Chocolate Day! Take a look at our tempting selection of ways to enjoy your chocolate at this time of year.
During summer, you may not want to have anything too stodgy or hot – a chilled or frozen dessert will always go down well, and making your own ice cream might be the perfect treat if you’re willing to give it a go. The trick is to get enough air into the mix in order to keep it light. You’ll need a 250g of plain chocolate and 100g butter, melted and blended together. Separately on a low heat dissolve 150g of caster sugar with 150ml water. Turn up the heat and bring to boil until light and syrupy, then take off the heat to let cool for a minute. Separate 4 eggs and place the yolks into a mixing bowl, whisk rapidly as you pour in your sugar syrup mix until it forms a thick mousse-like texture. Whisk in 500ml of double cream and then folk in the melted chocolate and butter mix. Pour into an ice cream machine and churn until frozen, or pour in a container and put straight in the freezer, keep re-visiting to mix and churn manually until frozen.
A sophisticated treat, chocolate ganache is rich and indulgent but also can be light and not too filling. Straight out of the fridge it can be perfect for a summer occasion. For quick-make ganache you’ll need 300g of finely chopped dark chocolate, 150ml double cream and 150ml whole milk. Pour the double cream and milk into a pan and heat on a low/medium heat. When the milk and cream are bubbling slightly at the edge but not quite boiling up pour over your chopped dark chocolate in a bowl. Stir gently but thoroughly until smooth and pour into small bowls or ramekins and chill. Finish with a dusting of icing sugar or cocoa and serve. Perfect for a barbecue or dinner party.
Why not surprise friends or family with something fun and different? If your guests are difficult to please, have them choose what they have their luscious melted milk chocolate with. Take a selection of fruit such as strawberries, grapes, banana chunks and melon pieces, use cocktail sticks or kebab-style skewers to avoid messy hands and get stuck in. Other treats which are perfect for a fountain-dip are marshmallows, plain biscuit or shortbread pieces or even trifle sponge fingers. You could even try coating ice lollies and watch the chocolate harden as it cools before taking a bite.
Gourmet Gadgetry Chocolate Fountain – Only £22.99
The Gourmet Gadgetry Chocolate Fountain with stainless steel tiers. Impress your guests and experience the delight of having your own metallic red chocolate fountain to use at your convenience. A chocolate fountain is the perfect centrepiece at a party, gathering with friends and family or even as an exciting dessert. Serve with a variety of dipping foods such as strawberries, marshmallows, fudge, banana, kiwi, profiteroles and pineapple.
