Made with love

The day of love is upon us, a day which some of us relish and others dread – a day which over the years has become increasingly governed by the high street with everything turning fifty shades of pink and red and booming sales for Clintons Cards, Thornton’s, Ann Summers and florists nationwide. Valentine’s Day is one particular day in the year when men woo their women, showering them with chocolates, red roses, lingerie, not forgetting the corny cards  requesting to be ‘my valentine’ signed with a ‘?’, all to express their love and devotion, putting them back in the good books until the following year.

To the cynics amongst you, I say that Valentine’s is a day that should be enjoyed by all without the need to be drawn into the commercial hype that so often surrounds it. The true meaning of Valentine’s is one small gesture that shows the one you love that you care, and for the singletons out there, don’t be disheartened - why not throw a dinner party for fellow singletons? Any excuse for a social gathering and one with a little match-making…you never know! This is a time gentlemen (and ladies), to pull out the stops – after all, the way to a lover’s heart is through the stomach, so a good meal is key to a successful Valentines. Many of us enjoy dining out in some of the brilliant restaurants The Cotswolds have to offer, but why share your occasion crammed in a room with lots of other couples? Spark off a bit of individuality mixed with a dollop of spontaneity. On this special night, atmosphere and ambiance are the key to intimacy - dimmed lights, a few flicking candles, seductive music, a good bottle of wine are just a few touches to get you started and to set the mood, but nothing expresses love and appreciation more than a home-cooked meal.  And if you’re a bit of a disaster zone in the kitchen, don’t be drawn in by M&S’s ‘dinner for two for £20’, this is where I come in, helping you to create the perfect dessert of indulgence, bringing a sweet and happy ending (or beginning of an end) to your night.

This dessert, Mississippi Mud Pie is a childhood favourite, made by one of the great loves of my life - Grandma Duffin - as a special treat on our visits. A lot of love went into this dish, as well as a lot of chocolate, both of which will prove to be a winning combination on your special night.

Jour de valentines heureux avec l'amour

Mississippi Mud Pie

Serves 10

Ingredients

For the base:

300g bourbon biscuits

80g butter

For the filling:

150g dark chocolate

135g butter, cubed

150g soft brown sugar

150ml double cream

3 large eggs

25g cocoa powder

2tsp vanilla essence

For the topping:

250ml double cream

2 chocolate flakes

Method

• To make the base, melt the butter in a saucepan or microwave. Put the biscuits into a food processor and blitz into crumbs
• Add the butter and blitz until thoroughly mixed
• Grease a 23cm wide/4cm deep pie dish with butter and sprinkle the biscuit mixture – press firmly into the corners, the base and the sides, and put in the fridge for an hour
• To make the filling, preheat the oven to 180’C
• Melt the chocolate and butter in a bowl over simmering water – once melted, put to one side to cool
• In a bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together using an electric whisk until light and creamy
• Whisk in the cocoa powder, vanilla essence, melted chocolate and then the cream until all the mixture has combined
• Pour into the biscuit case and place in the oven for 30-40minutes until the pie has risen and is slightly firm
• Put to one side to cool – the middle will sink slightly
• Once cooled, whisk the cream and spread it over the middle of the pie – finish by sprinkling with the crumbled flake

Serving suggestion: drizzle with a little raspberry coulis and some fresh raspberries