Mother's day provides yet another happy reason to delight in some chocolate loving. Photo / Babiche Martens
Mother's day wish list: A sweet baby sleeping in past 5.15am. A sweet husband closing the bedroom door so I don't hear said child before I hear the birds. One cup of tea in bed, chocolate, flowers, a glass of champagne, more chocolate, dinner cooked by anyone in
the world other than me, a card made by my 8-year-old, chocolate again and, oh all right, one more glass of champagne.
I am not alone. Most mothers love chocolate, so what better day to indulge? While I have used dark chocolate in these recipes, if your mother prefers milk or white chocolate, by all means use it - just find the best quality. The higher the amount of cocoa solids, the richer the flavour and the more expensive. Splash out, anything using Valrhona chocolate will taste so much better for it. The same goes for Dutch cocoa - it tastes superior and will enhance the flavour of the pudding.
Any mother would be delighted with a mouthful of rich chocolate cake served up on a pretty plate, or a small pot of velvety smooth mousse made with orange oil and a splash of muscat, savoured while tucked up in bed with a stack of magazines. If the evening musters up a chill, then a simple but rather decadent hot self-saucing pud with plenty of runny cream will end the day contentedly.
CHEF'S TIP
Chocolate needs gentle heat to melt - either in a bowl over simmering water or on a medium heat in the microwave. Make sure the bowl is completely dry, any water can ruin the consistency.
