I’ve always been a big fan of recipes with the fewest of ingredients. Not that I don’t enjoy a long cooking process for a worthwhile end result! But I think over the Christmas period, we always have friends and family visiting, presents to wrap, along with the regular household duties and also kids to look after. Plus I’m sure from a work point of view for most Christmas is always the busiest time of the year.
So when as easy, simple recipe comes along which I know is a sure shot hit with guests’, it’s well worth a try. This Dark Chocolate fudge is perfect for a hamper of even if you’re having friends around for a coffee, as they will keep for a good few weeks. The fudge needs to be kept cold though so I cut them up into little bite sizes and wrap them in gift bags, leaving them in the fridge until I am ready to give them. I also have some extra on hand which are left in the foil tray to serve.
As most of you know I do a few home made hampers every Christmas for family & friends. Because there are usually 2-3 different goodies in them, it’s always good if there is a variety. My hamper this year included Berry Vodka (recipe below), ginger bread cookies, lime & ginger savoury pickle and something chocolatey which was these little fudge beauties.
There are moreish. The colour looks fab too, with the dark chocolate, deep red sour cherries and little flakes of pistachios mixed through. I love the flavour of the sour cherries which cuts through the sweetness of the chocolate and a soft crunch from the pistachios. I have to say this is my favourite combination. Last year I did biscotti’s in my hampers, with chunks of dark chocolate, pistachio & cherries.
Sour Cherry with Dark Chocolate Pistachio Fudge
Ingredients
50g softened butter
350g Dark chocolate with 70% cocoa solids roughly chopped
1 can of condensed milk (400g)
150g dried sour cherries
150g unsalted pistachios roughly chopped
Pinch of salt
Approx 9in tray lined with baking parchment
Put the chocolate, condensed milk, butter and salt in a heavy based sauce pan. Stir well until it’s melted through and mixed well. Add the cherries and the pistachios and stir well. Pour the mixture into the tray and smooth a knife to make sure it’s all even.
Let the fudge cool and then refrigerate until its set. Cut into squares and serve.
