Chocolate Nemesis for the Year of the Rat.

2008 what a year you are panning out to be!

I don't know how everyone else is feeling about this year but the general consensus from my loved ones is that it rocks!!! I have received 2 more terrific pieces of news this week!! And further conversations with my nearest and dearest has confirmed that this really is 'the' year. The fabulous news I received is that one of my darling brothers proposed to his amazing girlfriend. And the other great news was that my other fabulous brother and his gorgeous wife have just had their second child. The beautiful Sophie Grace. Preparing to celebrate these 2 beautiful events got me to thinking that I have already celebrated so much this year.

I have described 2007 as a bit of a pause year, which I know I am too young to have, but it was. I did not put any pressure on myself in 2007 and although it was not stressful it was not particularly eventful either. I believe in going with the flow and if the flow is very still then you have a pause year. And it is nice to relax like that, but towards the end of the year I felt a little stir. Then the little stir turned into a little whirlpool, and by a third of the way through 2008 I was well and truly embracing every chance and opportunity that came my way. Now I am sitting back enjoying my new job, writing my new blog and listening to all the stories from my family and friends who have had a similar 2008. The overwhelming joy towards this year got me to thinking about the Chinese zodiac and if there was anything in it..... 2008 the year of the rat... this is what I found out

"In the year of the rat you are always busily pursuing a personal goal or ambition. In 2008 any recent setbacks or obstacles can be overcome, so look forward to a year in which to really shine, either personally or professionally."

So there you have it, I don't know if I could have put my feelings of 2008 any better myself (the proof of that is evident above) And so I think a little offering needs to be made to 2008. A little celebration to show my appreciation, and a bribe to keep the same 'good times rolling' I have had this dessert in mind for a long time and when I thought of a suitable delicacy to offer up to 2008 it was the first thing that sprang to mind. A decadent, rich & chocolatey dessert is the perfect way to say " Thanks, keep up the good work". I made mini versions so we all had our own individual cakes and served it with yogurt sorbet, cointreau jelly and orange crisps. It is every bit as delicious as I thought it would be and don't worry......... I left a few crumbs out for the rat as well.

So here's to 2008 and
welcoming Sophie Grace into the world
my fabulous new job
creating a fun food blog
my brother finding his perfect match
my best friend coming home to Australia
my other best friend finding a new earth
my parents new lease on life....
and all the other fabulous things 2008 is yet to bring.


CHOCOLATE NEMESIS

675 G CHOCOLATE (good quality dark)
450 G BUTTER
10 EGGS
675 G CASTER SUGAR

METHOD

Line the inside of your cake rings
Melt chocolate and butter together
Whip eggs and until they double in size
Fold together and pour into cake tin.
Bake at 140 until cake has set.

If you are using rings I find it helpful to allow this mixture to sit until it slightly sets before pouring it into the moulds.