Happy New Year! The new year is a time for setting goals, forming new habits and trying new things. Finding new recipes and creating your own delicious treats can be an exciting activity and a great way to spend more quality time in the kitchen. That’s why we’ve put together this list of amazing chocolate recipes guaranteed to make your taste buds dance.
From simple cookies and brownies, all the way up to grand desserts featuring deliciously indulgent Lily O’Briens chocolate; get ready for a delicious adventure through this collection of different ways you can use everyone’s favourite snack!
1. Get your day off to a decadent start with these buttermilk pancakes and dark Belgian chocolate sauce
Start your day off in a special way with an indulgent breakfast treat that’s sure to satisfy even the sweetest tooth. Buttermilk pancakes make a light and fluffy base while dark Belgian chocolate sauce adds rich flavour. Layer these layers of delight together for the perfect start to your morning.
The combination of the rich chocolate and buttery, fluffiness will not only put you in a good mood but give you the energy to kick-start your day with an extra spring in your step.
What you will need:
For the chocolate sauce
- 200g Lily O’Brien’s 70% dark Belgian Chocolate (just under 2 bags), roughly chopped
- 150ml semi-skimmed milk
- 40g unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp double cream
- 2 tbsp golden syrup
For the pancakes
- 150g plain flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp cream of tartar
- 1 tbsp caster sugar
- 2 large free-range eggs, separated
- 280ml buttermilk
- Knob of butter for frying
Once the pancakes are all cooked and the chocolate sauce is ready, it’s time to get creative with the toppings! Keep it classic with fresh sweet berries or a sliced banana. Alternatively, why not try something different and go for a savoury twist by adding crispy cooked bacon as an unexpected topping? Whatever you choose to top your pancakes off with is completely your own customization – just make sure you enjoy every bite!
2. Treat yourself to some creamy caramel chocolate and peanut butter bites
If you like the sound of a sweet and salty flavour combo, caramel chocolate and peanut butter bites are the perfect gourmet treat to give yourself. Combining three classic flavours in one delicious bite, whether you’re looking for a quick and easy snack to fuel your day or an indulgent dessert experience, these delectable morsels will hit the spot every single time!
What you will need:
- 1 Brownie mix kit (plus extra ingredients stated on pack)
- 500g peanut butter
- 120g butter, softened
- 130g icing sugar
- 2tsp vanilla extract
- 3 tbsp milk
- 240g or 2 x Lily O’Brien’s Creamy Caramel Share Bags, roughly chopped
- 100g Lily O’Brien’s Dark Chocolate Baking Drops, roughly chopped
- 180ml double cream
An added bonus is that these make great gifts! Show your friends and family how much you appreciate them with a little box of these yummy bites. Add a personal touch by wrapping them up with a special message – they’ll think of you with each tasty bite!
3. Finish your day with the ultimate Belgian hot chocolate
Winter nights can be long and cold, and in the new year, it’s important to treat yourself to some serious TLC. Plus, there’s nothing a little chocolate can’t fix! This indulgent Belgian Hot Chocolate recipe is the perfect pick-me-up on a chilly night.
What you will need:
- 220g Lily O’Brien’s 70% Dark Belgian Chocolate Share Bag x2 (chopped)
- 100g quality cocoa powder
- 75g icing sugar
- 30g cornflour
- 50g Horlicks or similar malted drink
- Mug of full-fat milk per serving as required
To make this indulgent drink, simply blitz all dry ingredients together in a food processor and place 2 heaped tablespoons of the mixture into a saucepan containing one mug’s worth of hot milk (the rest of the hot chocolate mix can be put in a jar and saved for later!). Heat until thickened and frothy, pour into your favourite mug and enjoy!
Made with dark chocolate and quality cocoa, it’s rich, creamy, and oh-so-comforting. And just like the pancakes, this recipe lends itself very well to creative toppings! Consider adding some mini marshmallows for a double hit of sugar or customise with a dash of cinnamon or whipped cream on top, and you’ve got a luxurious treat that is sure to warm you up all over.
Conclusion
So there you have it! Three indulgent chocolate recipes to try out this new year! We hope that we’ve inspired you to get creative in the kitchen and experiment with some new chocolate recipes. Be sure to let us know how they turn out and have a wonderful, chocolate-filled 2023!