Hello new friend...Chocolate Extract

When I was recently filming for Baking Mad on Channel 4 (watch out for more on this in the next week or so) I was introduced to a new friend. That friend (and this isn't a sponsored post) is Chocolate Extract. Think about how divine vanilla extract is and essential for so many baking recipes - well this one's a chocolate version. There's two on the market, one by Nielsen Massey and the other by Star Kay White - both produce a whole range of great extracts and pastes for baking. I have Eric Lanlard to thank for this new discovery, he mentioned this whilst baking so I grabbed a bottle and added it to a chocolate brownie recipe and you could really notice the difference. It boosted the chocolate taste and added real depth to it - it tasted more grown up.

It's a pure chocolate extract that's rich and smooth but isn't sweetened. So far I have only added it to cakes and brownies, but it would sit equally well in cookies, icing, custards and puddings. The possibilities are endless. Nielsen Massey has been in the business of making extracts (vanilla was first) since 1907 and it's been a family business since then. If you haven't tried their vanilla extract - treat yourself today. Star Kay White is also a privately run family business and has been around since 1890.  I found the Star Kay White version in Waitrose, but could only source the Nielsen Massey version online. A kitchen cupboard essential.

Triple Chocolate Brownies

From a recipe, originally taken from the Australian Women's Weekly. Served hot with ice cream and not over cooked - gooey in the middle and just firm on the top.  Sadly the recipe is not on the AWW website, but you will find it in AWW Chocolate! 3 types of chocolate, eggs, butter, sugar and SR flour.

The secret to a great brownie (that I learnt from a Jamie Oliver book) is not to overcook them. Infact, even undercook them. Check and when they are just firm to touch they will remain gooey inside. For a hot dessert, remove from the oven, cool slightly and serve. Delicious.