Wear your heart on a plate and make these little beauties for the one you love

Fish and chips, salt and pepper, Ant and Dec.  Some combinations are just meant to be. Just like chocolate and Valentine’s Day – so why not indulge with this awesome recipe for chocolate brownies

And it’s not just hype. According to a whole bunch of studies, chocolate contains two chemicals, Phenylethylamine and Serotonin, that help trigger the brain to release endorphins, the feel-good hormones that are associated with heightening romantic urges.

For a few extra ‘brownie’ points, why not go the extra mile and shape these little beauties into perfect heart shapes. Delicious when served with some fine vanilla ice cream…

Ingredients:

• 350g unsalted butter
• 250g dark chocolate
• 250g golden caster sugar
• 3 eggs
• 135g plain flour
• 30g cocoa powder
• 40g white chocolate, chopped
• 40g milk chocolate, chopped
• 50g roasted hazelnuts

Method: 

Place butter and dark chocolate in a pan over a bain-marie on a low heat and allow to melt completely until butter and chocolate are well combined. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. Sift flour and cocoa powder together. In a large mixer, place sugar and eggs, whisk until thick and pale (double in size). While still whisking, pour in melted chocolate mixture until just combined, remove from mixer.

Fold in flour and cocoa powder with a large whisk, do not over-fold mixture. Add chopped chocolate and roasted hazelnuts, fold in gently. Cook at 175C for 20 minutes (even crust will form on top). Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.