Chocolate and Mango Curd Tart

Watching cookery programmes with friends does seem to result in "make this" or "make that".  This was my idea when asked for something combining mango and chocolate.  Using muscovado sugar instead of white in the meringue really compliments the chocolate in the pastry and the mango.  The pastry recipe makes too much for 1 large tart so you could either freeze the leftovers or, like me, make some smaller tarts too.

Mango and Lime Curd

This is something i came up with for the chocolate tart recipe, but could be used in many other things and should last a few months.

Date and Treacle Cake

I always try and have some emergency cake in the freezer, just in case.  This cake was perfect for that as it just as good warm from defrosting quickly.  The recipe is very similar to the cake in a sticky toffee pudding without the sauce.  It's such a tasty moist cake it doesn't really need the sauce although a thick spreading of butter is good.

Pistachio Cake with Cherry Mousse

 The last of today's posts is a little lighter but just as tasty.  I got the idea when it was mentioned on a cookery programme that pistachio and cherry was a good combination.  You could forego cutting the cake into individual portions and just half the whole cake.  Although you wont get the bakers perks off-cuts.  The canned cherries i used were in syrup but ones in juice should work as well, maybe with another tbsp of sugar if it needs it.

Baked Coffee Brownie Cheesecake

The second for today is just a little rich...  This was something i have been meaning to make but needed enough people round to help eat it.  It needs to have a dense brownie for the base in place of the usual buttery biscuit base.  I made it with maple syrup in the cheesecake top but that was overpowered by the coffee in the base so plain vanilla would contrast better.  A dark berry cheesecake top would work quite well or just a topping of ground pistachios/walnuts.  The 12 it serves are generous portions as it is as filling as it sounds.

Date and Walnut Cookies

I don't seem to be doing so well with regular updates but never mind, 3 at once now.  These were xmas presents so i, obviously, couldn't post when i made them.  The photos are from the first time i made them and i didn't chill and cut the dough so the cookies are flatter than they should be.  I'm not normally so fond of wholemeal flour in baking but these work really well with the dates and honey.

Mulled Wine Brownies

I was playing around with ideas for festive treats and this came to mind after making mincemeat brownies last year.  They use a fantastic rich brownie base recipe.  I add nutmeg as there wasn't any in the mulled wine i got so you may not need to add it.  You could also make your own mulled wine if so inclined.  If you aren't feeling festive then you can substitute for a good full bodied red wine.