super-choc brownie

I should tell you now, so there are no miss-understandings; I am a chocolate addict.

It started in my childhood, I blame my parents.

Dark, rich, bitter-sweet, only the good stuff. These brownies have it all.

Don’t think too hard as you watch the butter (250g)  and chocolate (70%, 250g) slowly melt in a warm pan. Enjoy the glossy shine as it melts into one and breath in the aroma as it cools down.

Enjoy the arm ache as you beat the eggs (3) into the dark soft muscovado sugar (170g) till it is light and fluffy, and swirl in the glossy melted butter and chocolate to form a rich goo.

Sift in the snowy plain flour (100g) with cocoa powder (28g) and instant coffee (2 tsp) for extra umph!

Once all that is mixed in, it is time for the chunky pieces! Dark and white chocolate chunks (100g of each) and pecans (100g). No nibbling… Oh go on then!

Now, I could eat all this raw, but that usually ends in a tummy ache, so spread it in a slice tray and bake for 20-30 minutes (depending how gooey you like it) at 180 degrees.

 Enjoy!

mackerel in minutes

10pm. Home from a super evening climbing. Something is making some noise. I suspect it is my tummy. It needs filling and fast. It won’t be with the tempting take-away down the road (although, it is a close call).

A quick, tasty, satisfying, and dare I say it, nutritious, meal in under 10 minutes, is smoked mackerel pate on toasted soda bread with a side of lightly boiled broccoli with oyster sauce. I don’t make the soda bread. Any bread will do!

Shred the smoked mackerel (after taking out the bones) and pop it in a bowl. Then dollop a couple of spoon of something gooey, like sour cream, cream cheese, even yogurt! Squeeze fresh lemon to taste and grind fresh black pepper on top… can’t have too much pepper…

Mix it up!

While all this is going on, the broccoli can be gently cooking and the toast, toasting.

Tummy full and happy.