Something for THE WEEKEND

These chocolate desserts are perfect for dinner parties (or for a special treat if you've had a tough week at work)...

MALTED MILK CHOCOLATE MOUSSE WITH CARAMEL POPCORN

SERVES 10 TAKES 4 HRS 20 MINS WITH CHILLING

✶ 250g quality milk chocolate, broken into pieces ✶ 50g salted butter ✶ 6 medium free-range eggs, separated ✶ 600ml double cream ✶ 2tbsp malted milk powder (such as Horlicks) ✶ 4tbsp caster sugar ✶ 150g salted caramel sauce ✶ FOR THE POPCORN ✶50g salted butter ✶ 100g brown sugar ✶ 80g golden syrup 1tsp vanilla extract✶1/4tsp bicarbonate of soda ✶ 80g popped popcorn

1 For the mousse, melt the 1 chocolate and butter in a bowl set over a pan of barely simmering water. Set aside to cool for 10 mins, then mix in the egg yolks.

2 Combine 150ml of the cream and the malted milk powder. Whip to soft peaks and fold into the chocolate.

3 In a very clean bowl, whisk the egg whites to soft peaks. Add 3tbsp sugar, and whisk again until thick and glossy. Gently fold the egg whites into the chocolate/ cream mixture until no white streaks remain. Ripple the caramel sauce through the mousse, then pour into a large serving dish or individual glasses. Cover and chill for at least 4 hrs, or overnight.

4 For the popcorn, melt the butter, sugar, golden syrup and a pinch of salt in a large pan over a low heat. Increase the heat to medium and boil for 8 mins, until thickened and a deep amber colour.