Chocolate Delice

I realise that I don't usually pay homage to a chef when making a recipe, but the legendary Monsieur Blanc is no ordinary chef!  Nearly as important to my culinary journey as the Roux Brothers, Raymond is completely self-taught, and his Manoir aux Quat'Saisons has held two Michelin stars since 1985 - no mean feat.  As well as sharing my birthday, Raymond is a most amusing and very brave man - he served both his first and second wife a croquembouche on their wedding day...

Pecan and Salted Caramel Brownies [Thermomix]

Just lately I've been craving Gower Cottage's chocolate brownies, but my secret stash in the freezer was sorely depleted over Christmas!  However serendipity has struck again, as I spotted Ed Kimber's brownie recipe in my in-box this morning.  There's definitely something about salted caramel... It's my favourite filling in Laduree Macaron's, my favourite combination in chocolate bars, there's something about the salty sweetness that becomes utterly addictive!

Chocolate Fondant

Chocolate fondant, the nemesis of many a Masterchef contestant!  I've no idea why they will insist on trying to make a fondant without choosing a recipe which guarantees success.  This recipe by the charming Mark Lloyd is delicious (I had it at his pop-up in London), and it's always struck me as more likely to succeed because of the addition of the liquid glucose.  I can assume you it works perfectly!

Vanilla-Ice Cream, and Chocolate Ice-Cream

Yes, I'm still making ice-cream at a ridiculous rate since I got the Thermomix, but it's now so easy I'm determined never to buy another tub of ice-cream again.  This way I know exactly what's gone into it!

Michel Roux's Chocolate Soufflé [also for Thermomix]

Chocolate souffle - the ultimate hit of chocolate, but without the guilty stodge... You can almost convince yourself that this doesn't count...  This is the joy of soufflés, they satisfy without making you feel as though you've eaten a whole tart...  Would be delicious served with pistachio ice-cream...