A Christmas Special has been announced on Wednesday December 17, 9pm, Channel 4

Eccentric chocolatier Willie Harcourt-Cooze hits our screens with a Christmas special, packed with chocolaty goodness

Having successfully set up their ‘wonky’ chocolate factory in Devon, Willie, Tania and their three children return for a festive foodie extravaganza. The show celebrates the perfect family Christmas from the family’s Devon home.

Willie will be taking care of the menu for the holiday season, preparing a series of mouth watering chocolate-themed recipes, both sweet and savoury.
On the (chocolate) menu

Expect boozy chocolate mince pies, a classic chocolate tart and an entire lamb cooked rather adventurously underground. He also demonstrates some perfect party treats for entertaining friends including a quince chocolate cheese and a chocolate and clementine cheesecake.

He’ll be suggesting a rather unusual stuffing for the turkey on the big day, made from chestnuts, pancetta and of course Willie’s favourite ingredient: chocolate.
And Willie’s wife….

While Willie’s busy in the kitchen, Tania will transform their Devon home into a winter wonderland, handcrafting everything from wreaths to Christmas tree decorations and advent calendars. Plus, there’s a chance for viewers to catch up on Willie’s progress as he continues his dream to produce the UK’s finest chocolate and to convert viewers to eating better quality confectionery.

Watch Willie’s Perfect Chocolate Christmas, Wednesday December 17, 9pm, Channel 4

Can I take this opportunity to Wish you all a merry christmas and a happy new year from the team at venezuelan-black.co.uk

Serves 14

Here is a fantastic, canie-friendly variation of the much loved Chili con Carnie. Add some much needed Cocoa love to your already fantastic classic recipes!

Ingredients:

* 1/4 cup vegetable oil
* 1 Sliced Garlic
* 1 chopped onion
* 2 lbs. ground beef or ground turkey
* 50g Grated venezuelan-black
* 2 tablespoons chili powder
* 2 teaspoons ground cayenne pepper
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 7 cups whole tomatoes, undrained
* 1-1/3 cups tomato paste
* 1 cup water
* 3 cups dark red kidney beans, undrained
* Plain Rice

Directions:

1. Heat oil over medium heat in large saucepan; add onion and garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, 3 minutes or until tender. Add meat, cook until brown. Drain.

2. Stir in cocoa, chili powder, cayenne pepper, salt, allspice, cinnamon, tomatoes with liquid, tomato paste and water; heat to boiling. Reduce heat. Add beans; simmer 30 minutes.

3. Ladle chili (about 1 cup each) into prepared bread bowls. Garnish as desired.

What about some fantastic Cocoa Pripulsion in the morning with a Cocoa Shot! Not only does this start the day with a great boost of energy but the antioxidants in cocoa helps your heart by keeping your blood vessels relaxed, thus easing blood pressure and helping circulation.

Ingredients

1 part cacao
2 or 3 parts water, depending on desired thickness
a little honey or preferred sweetener

Method

Grate the cacao and melt it into the water. once the water and cacao boil they emulsify. add a little more water if you like it thinner. then add a little honey to taste or your preferred type of sweetener.

Result

A cup of cocoa a day may help to keep the doctor away.

A study by scientists in the United States has found that a cup of hot cocoa is rich in powerful antioxidants.
Previous studies have also shown these chemicals, which can protect against a range of diseases and reduce the effects of ageing, are found in cocoa.
However, this latest study suggests cocoa may be richer in antioxidants than better known “healthy” drinks like tea and red wine.

Health benefits

In recent years, a number of studies have highlighted the health properties of tea, red wine and cocoa.

A study in China, published in April last year, found tea drinkers were about half as likely to develop cancer compared with people who did not drink tea.

A cup or two of hot cocoa every once in a while can provide a delicious, warm and healthy way to obtain more antioxidants

Click to Read More!

…read full articles of "Venezuelan Black – Healthy for you as Well!"

For the perfect treat this Halloween , follow the reciepe and enjoy some extravagant, rich and tasty Venezuelan black cookies!

Ingredients
* 180g of Venezuelan Black
* 150g Good-quality granola ( E.g. Lovedean )
* 3tbsp clear honey

Method
Cut the chocolate into pieces and melt with the honey in a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water. Remove from the heat and stir in the granola. Line a tray with silicone or grease-proof paper and drop teaspoonful-sized pieces on to the paper, flattening slightly with the back of the spoon. Leave to set in the fridge then remove the paper and serve, or keep in an airtight container in a cool place.

Result

Haloween Cocoa Crunch Cookies