Sweet Moments

On Thursday, it was lovely to see our old friends Val and Philip again. They visited us in Dorset 4 years ago, when they were on holiday. This week they have been in holiday in Norfolk, so they came over for lunch. It was their first trip to Cornerstones. Bob and Philip went out into the Lathe Palace to talk about making stuff, while Val and I stayed inside talking about crafts and grandchildren. We reminisced about being together in Kent in the 1980s. It was brilliant - but I completely forgot to take a photo!

Lunch was various cold meats and salads [I knew they had a full English breakfast where they were staying, so that way they could eat as much, or as little, as they wanted] For dessert I made pots-au-chocolate. This is such an easy recipe, from my Dairy Book of Home Cookery. I have two copies of this book- one dated 1977, the other 1995. The newer book has many of the original recipes, but with added instructions for the microwave. Some recipes have been added, others 'tweaked'. This dessert uses 150ml of double cream in the first book, but only 75ml in the second!

• 75g plain chocolate
• 25g butter
• 3 eggs
• 1 tbsp warm water
• 75ml double/whipping cream, whipped till slightly stiff

1. Break up chocolate, put into a basin standing over pan of hot water. Add butter. Leave till both have melted, stirring once or twice.
2. Beat in egg yolks till smooth, remove from heat, stir in warm water
3. Beat egg whites till stiff, fold into chocolate mixture
4. Transfer to 4 individual dishes, chill
5. Just before serving decorate with whipped cream
6. Sprinkle with chocolate flakes.

Bottom right, 1977 recipe, lots of cream. Top right 1995, less cream, chocolate garnish. Left 2022, garnished with strawberry hearts. 

I do not have any fancy choc pots- so I use four ramekins which previously held Lidl desserts. These puds are just the right size for a sweet treat to finish a meal.