Just when you thought you’d heard the last of me before the big fat guy makes his annual visit, here’s a last minute delicious, quick to prepare and (almost) no-fail sweet. An ideal solution for the “I need a plate” for tomorrow panic. Thanks to Clare for sharing her recipe.

I’ll be upfront, there is nothing remotely healthy about this recipe. So, if you’re visiting people who are going to stress about fat and sugar, pick up a bag of carrots and take them instead. Otherwise, head to the supermarket (or dairy), pick up the three ingredients and get preparing. I made two batches in less than an hour today – it would have been quicker if I’d made them at one time in a big pot, but I wanted two different flavours.

Chocolate fudge

2 C sugar

300ml cream (red top here in New Zealand)

200g dark chocolate (I use 70% cocoa solids)

Optional: walnuts, cranberries, vanilla (or almost anything!)

For my two batches I used cranberries soaked in brandy and walnuts with vanilla paste

To make

Line with baking paper, or oil spray, a 20x20cm cake/slice tin.

Chop the chocolate and prepare any other flavour you are using.

Put the sugar and cream in a heavy bottom saucepan. Bring to the boil over a low/medium heat, stirring from time to time. Boil until soft-ball stage – this is about 114C on a candy thermometer or when a soft ball forms between your fingers if you drop some mixture into a glass of cold water. On my stove top, this takes about 8 minutes.

Take off the heat and quickly pour in the chopped chocolate. Mix well with a wooden spoon until chocolate has melted completely. Add the flavouring of your choice and mix.

Quickly pour into the prepared tin and set aside a couple of hours to set. Cut into tiny pieces for serving or giving away.

Store somewhere cool – if you are in very hot or humid conditions, you may need to opt for the fridge. And, watch out, it disappears pretty quickly if left sitting around!

I’ll leave the final word to Master of the Universe – yes, I know, giving a three-year-old 70% cocoa solids married to cranberries in brandy is questionable mothering! (If you are into kid cute-ness, it’s worth a click!)

Till post-Christmas, enjoy the next few days. Relax, eat, drink, and reflect on the happy times with those we love who aren’t with us this year. I’ll especially be thinking of Aunty Mary (refer to my first ever post), Ken, Aunty Joy and Anthony. Have a wonderful Christmas x