Brilliant BLACKCURRANTS

Bursting with more vitamin C than an orange, these delicious British fruits are the star ingredients in these tasty sweet treats

CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES

Homemade truffles are so easy to make and are a delightful evening treat or edible gift, if you’re feeling generous

MAKES 24

30g (1oz) caster sugar

200g (7oz) British blackcurrants, fresh or frozen

300g (10oz) good-quality dark chocolate, cut into small pieces

300ml (10floz) double cream

25g (1oz) unsalted butter British cassis

Topping suggestions:

Cocoa powder

Toasted hazelnuts

Desiccated coconut

White chocolate

Flaked almonds

Chopped pistachios

1 First, make the blackcurrant coulis by putting the sugar and blackcurrants in a saucepan and letting it bubble gently for 5 mins. Strain, so you have a smooth thick sauce.

2 Next, make the chocolate mixture. Put the chocolate into a bowl. Heat the cream and butter in a saucepan until just under a simmer, then pour slowly over the chocolate, while stirring. Keep mixing until all the chocolate has melted and the mixture is lovely and silky.