WORDS AND RECIPES BRYONY BOWIE PHOTOGRAPHY TOBY SCOTT FOOD STYLING JOY SKIPPER PROP STYLING TAMZIN FERDINANDO *Mintel.
VARIETIES
1 DARK
2 WHITE
3 COOKING
4 MILK
Dark chocolate must contain a minimum of 35% cocoa solids, but can include far more. The higher the cocoa content, the more bitter it tastes and the richer it is in iron.
Made with cocoa butter, sugar and milk (but no cocoa solids), this is a popular choice for those with a sweet tooth. It pairs well with tangy fruits, such as raspberries.
Also known as baking chocolate, cooking chocolate has been developed to respond well to heat. It melts quickly and retains a glossy finish without being tempered.
Milk chocolate is the most popular variety, eaten by 73% of UK chocolate eaters*. It’s a blend of cocoa solids and milk solids, giving it a rich sweetness and a silky, smooth texture.
5 COCOA POWDER Made from roasted ground cocoa beans, cocoa powder has a strong, bitter flavour. A little goes a long way – use it in bakes or hot chocolate.
Versatile and delicious, it’s the nation’s favourite treat. Here’s our lowdown PREP
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To melt chocolate, break into pieces and put in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water, or microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.
STORE Keep chocolate in a cool, dry place, but not the fridge, as this can give it a whitish coating and dull its flavour.
E NJ O Y Chocolate is a great addition to all kinds of bakes, and can be delicious in savoury meals, too. Try mixing cocoa powder, brown sugar, chilli flakes and oregano, then use as a rub for ribs or beef.
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Try it in...
GINGER TIFFIN *MeltBLUEBERRY white chocolate with butter and golden syrup. Stir in crushed ginger biscuits, dried blueberries, stem ginger and pecans; press into a lined tin. Top with melted white chocolate. Set, then slice into bars. BEEF CHILLI In a pan, soften onion, garlic, chilli and celery. Add beef mince; brown, then stir in paprika, oregano, stock, chopped tomatoes, kidney beans and a little grated dark chocolate. Simmer to thicken and reduce. CHIA PUDDING Mix almond milk, cocoa powder, chia seeds, finely chopped dates and maple syrup. Cover and chill overnight; top with fruit.
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For more brilliant chocolate recipes, visit tesco.com/realfood
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