Chocolate has always been associated with sensual and romantic properties and when we indulge in it’s silky lusciousness, endorphins are released in our brains which make us feel happy and loved.
In the last year I’ve been very lucky to work with Butler’s Chocolates, giving chocolate cookery classes in their demo kitchen in Clonshaugh. I try to theme each class around an event so naturally the February class was all about Cupid, Valentines and Love! I do 7-8 recipes per class and I’m always amazed at how quickly the tasters disappear!
I’m also doing a ‘Cupid’s Dining’ class in my own kitchen on Tuesday 4th February – a three course romantic meal guaranteed to impress that special someone in your life 😉
There will be scallops , venison and lots of chocolate among other things on the menu …and of course some pink bubbles . If you’d like more details on this or any of my classes please let me know.
One of the big hits from yesterday’s class was the salted caramel dessert and here’s the recipe of you want to surprise your loved one on Valentine’s Day
Cupid’s Salted Caramel Delight
Serves 2
What you need:
- 3-4 tbsp dulce de leche – I use Ballyshiel
- ½ tsp sea salt plus extra to serve
- 50g dark chocolate
- 50g milk chocolate
- 75 ml cream
- Good ‘glug’ Kahlua
What you do:
- Stir in the sea salt into the dulce de leche and divide mix between two glasses
- Melt the two chocolates together then stir in the cream until smooth.
- Add in the liqueur and carefully pour over the caramel
- Allow to chill for at least 2 hours then serve sprinkled with sea salt crystals.
Happy Cooking !
PS a message for the Chief Taster – it’s your turn to cook for me this year 😉
Hey Pesto! 