Sunday 16 November 2014

Johnny Depp never had it so good

It's probably fair to say that Our Lass is a down-to-earth sort, a gal driven by life's priorities and who is a firm believer in the old mantra of 'success is all of what you need and a little of what you want'.

For example, my nearest and dearest cooks but does not bake. To live, we all need to eat food, so Tense Towers is a home of tasty, few frills, nutritious meals. OK, we ship in, or I bake, the occasional cake, but that's where the 'want' comes in.

So, it's probably an indication of our changed lives that, today, Our Lass decided that a little frivolousness was called for. As we're fans of dark chocolate and only slightly dark movies, 'Chocolat' is a perennial favourite at OTT. So much so, that we even have a recipe book inspired by the film.

And today was its day!


Our Lass reckoned we could do without the whipped cream, the sprinkles were optional, chilli flakes would suffice for a whole chilli, but the alcohol was a necessity. See? Priorities!


A pint of milk, a cinnamon stick and the chilli flakes were simmered in a pan.


Then, a bar of dark chocolate (85% cocoa) was broken up and melted into the pan.


This was then whisked, whilst off the heat...


a little brown sugar added, and the mixture allowed to stand for 10 minutes to infuse. This was the difficult bit, as Our Lass is not THAT patient :o)


Then, a bit more whisking, before returning the pan to the heat to bring back to simmering point.


Finally, the mixture was sieved into two mugs (MINE had sprinkles!) and then the last ingredient added...


a shot of Cointreau.

And the  verdict?


Vianne would've been proud!

8 comments:

Tales of a Bank Vole said...

I knew it would happen - the lonely island existence, the long dark nights - stir crazy!

Imperfect and Tense said...

I call it self-medicating.

Anonymous said...

reminds of one I had in Brno Czech republic no alcohol but had to be drunk using a spoon!!!!!!. Chocolate rush lasted for hours!!!!
Cpt.Sundial

Imperfect and Tense said...

Well, Captain S, if anyone knows about hours, it's gotta be you :o)

Bag End Gardener said...

Our Lass, aka Evil Temptress?

Sitting trying to get warm after a soaking at the shops, and coughing fit to split something as I cannot shake a bit of a bug . . . "self-medicating" sounds like a splendid idea. Thank you so much for the inspiration :}

Imperfect and Tense said...

Hi Jayne, and welcome!

Well, they do say that it is important to keep up fluid intake when we're unwell. Fortunately, they don't always specify the fluid :o)

I can't mind the last time we visited the Lake District. It's kind of reassuring to know that it's still very wet and lush. That's lush in the verdant horticultural sense, rather than anything suggested by the previous paragraph.

Hope you're feeling better soon.

Bag End Gardener said...

Just thought I'd pop back and say 'thank you'.

"Hot CCC" looks like it might become a fixture on the Bag End winter menu! Still experimenting with quantities and ingredients, but each mug seems more delicious than the last:}

It doesn't rain all the time in Cumbria . . .

thanks. Jayne.

Imperfect and Tense said...

It's funny, Jayne, we've not augmented our hot choc again until today. Spooky!

We sat slurping and watching the lightening progressing down Hoy onto South Ronaldsay, in between the frequent hail showers. Defo a hot choc day.