Chocolate and Cognac

I’m not a great spirits drinker but last night after a day sorting out dusty bookshelves we just fancied indulging ourselves in a small glass of Cognac as a nightcap. It was admittedly a good one - a Hine Antique Cognac which has all the hallmark rich vanilla and spicy notes you look for in a top quality brandy.

With it we had a couple of squares of plain dark chocolate - a Venezuelan bar of 70% cocoa solids from Michel Huvelin in Niort - which perfectly mirrored the smooth richness of the drink. Sometimes simple pleasures are the best.

Offering a selection of really good artisanal chocolates with a glass of Cognac is a great way to finish off a meal, if you haven’t - as we hadn’t - the time or inclination to make a dessert. And it’s a great treat to have to hand for unexpected visitors during the forthcoming holiday season.

Image © Mariusz Blach - Fotolia

Dark chocolate and Cherry Heering

If you haven’t got round to thinking of a suitably romantic dessert for tonight try this simple idea: buy a few gorgeous dark handmade chocolates and truffles and serve them with a frozen shot of cherry brandy. (Don’t worry, it won’t actually freeze, simply turn lusciously cold and syrupy.)

My favourite brand is the Danish Cherry Heering, also known as Heering, which was once marketed under the memorable slogan ‘Cherry Heering, very cheering!’ But you could use any cherry brandy or liqueur

You could equally well serve it with a dark chocolate mousse or chocolate pot - with a spoonful of cherry compote or other red berry fruits if you like.

For other ideas of wines, beers and soft drinks to serve with a Valentine’s dinner see the tagged articles below.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Image © Mariusz Blach - Fotolia