Thursday, January 10, 2008

Merry Little Christmas Redcurrant and Sultana Chocolate Clumps


Hope you had yourself a merry little Christmas. For once, there wasn't a middle of the night Christmas Eve post here. These are usually written after I've been up so late that it doesn't really matter if I spend another half hour on the computer after the wrapping of 70 rice paper rolls and 20 presents. And I've been so busy that I thought this post might slip away too.

But you see, these photos are from last Christmas. I made these chocolate clumps with fresh redcurrants a year ago and kept meaning to post them. But time went by as it does and they were so summery that I couldn't pop them up in winter. And I consoled myself by resolving to write about them this time. So even though the Christmas tree has been sawn up and put in the green waste bin a good week ago, I'm going to tell you about these now. (Our Christmas tree did not last particularly well, possibly as a result of being carried through the suburb on Figman's back. For kilometres, in 32C heat. We have a car, excellently fitted out for such things. But apparently, the needles on the upholstery make it worthwhile turning oneself into a packhorse and astounding our entire neighbourhood and assorted passerbys. Ahem.)

F was moaning about currants and how he wanted some fresh ones. So I scuttled through the packets and bought the nicest ones I could find at the local markets. Only to produce them and hear "Oh, I didn't mean those kind of currants". Oh indeed.


These are quite tart and not to my taste for adding to yoghurt. So they sat in the fridge, expensively declining. Until I had a mad craving for chocolate coated sultanas and made my own. The sultanas were beautiful organic ones from Mildura (I think?) and the chocolate came from my usual stash in the cupboard. A quick melt and mix and they were ready to be dropped on a tray for setting.

But they were so sweet. Almost overpoweringly sweet to me, who likes her chocolate on the less sugary side. And it came to me - add the currants. It was brilliance, the little beads burst as I bit into the clump, adding a sour hit to this every day confection. A touch of ground black pepper works wonders too.

I topped each one off with a redcurrant for looks alone, and hence, I think they are quite the Christmas treat. Texturally the fresh currants and dried sultanas contrast well under the chocolate coating, but I can't vouch for how it ages, they didn't last long here.

So Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and here's hoping I post again before Easter. (I have too many ice cream posts to wait until next year!)

32 Comments:

At 6:39 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

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At 9:59 PM, Blogger GS said...

We miss you Plum. Come back soon :)

 
At 8:55 AM, Blogger lazy cow said...

Yum, I love chocolate-covered sultanas but have never thought of making my own! Don't think I've ever tasted fresh redcurrants though.

 
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At 4:18 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hey Plum,
I’ve noticed that your blog has a great food and cooking focus, and I’d like to invite you to participate in an Ambassador Program we’re running focused on meal ideas and kids nutrition. Sorry for the random blog post, I couldn't find an email contact. If you're interested, visit http://www.vegiepouroverbuzz.com.au/content/default.html?a=170 for more info, and let me know if you have any questions. I hope to see you in the program!

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At 10:50 AM, Blogger Unknown said...

When will you be blogging again?

 
At 10:50 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Come back!

 
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At 2:29 PM, Blogger Unknown said...

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At 7:53 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hey Plum!

Great blog!

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At 3:47 AM, Blogger Unknown said...

nice blog...i would like to see more blogging from you.

 
At 11:49 AM, Blogger Energetica said...

Hi Plum,
Why have you stopped blogging?!! We miss your gorgeous posts-and-pictures!! Hope all's well and hope you start blogging soon!
E

 
At 1:52 AM, Blogger Sorin said...

Those are really terrific photos.

 
At 6:11 AM, Anonymous Orlando personal injury lawyer said...

Looks like a great dessert. Great post.

 
At 10:41 PM, Anonymous tampa-bankruptcy-attorneys said...

Plum is look like chocolate

 
At 10:42 PM, Anonymous Iraqi Dinar said...

Hope you had yourself a merry little Christmas.

 
At 6:33 PM, Anonymous Los Angeles party bus said...

Hope you had yourself a merry little Christmas.

 
At 8:08 PM, Anonymous Los Angeles Limos said...

i love chocolate cake

 
At 12:52 PM, Anonymous Spencer @ Moo-Lolly-Bar said...

I could eat about 100 of these! They look delicious.

 
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At 3:25 PM, Anonymous Spencer @ Moo-Lolly-Bar said...

Looks fantastic! I could eat about 100 of them!

 
At 11:49 PM, Anonymous haribo sweets said...

Wow these are yummy looking chocolate treats! They're absolutely perfect as Christmas sweets. That rhymed. Haha.

But seriously though, any Christmas dinner is always best topped off with either hot choco or any chocolate desserts.

 
At 7:16 PM, Blogger Shane Castane said...

Fantastic job. I genuinely loved what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it. Too cool!

Send flowers to India

 
At 6:54 PM, Blogger Shane Castane said...

This comment has been removed by the author.

 
At 12:30 AM, Anonymous Gladlavilla said...

When I see this chocolates I feel the Christmas again. Wishing you a blessed new year!

 
At 9:04 AM, Blogger dorotheo said...

Yes chocolate is my favorite dessert special with fruit this can be send as text message at http://www.textme4free.com/ to view all around the world

 
At 6:19 AM, Anonymous Alex Dumpfree said...

Those who loves chocolate,It would be a great recipe for them.In this Christmas fest it can make your dinning table gorgeous as a desert.I'm gonna try it soon!

 
At 4:29 PM, Blogger Unknown said...

I miss u plum...

Please visit my website: http://www.efoodsdirect.com/

 
At 4:30 PM, Blogger Unknown said...

I miss u plum...

Please visit my website: http://www.efoodsdirect.com/

 
At 9:57 PM, Anonymous Nandini Voice for the Deprived said...


I like your post very much i had nice time while reading your post

 
At 8:24 PM, Anonymous Sophie said...

I know the 2008 crisis was bad, but we are recovering now and you can post again with your delicious baking. :P

 

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