• 1333 Results

    chocolate

    Search
    In Features

    Is cocoa-free chocolate a thing?

    Yep, you read that right – cocoa-free chocolate has officially entered the chat. You might be wondering how chocolate can be made without cocoa, but big retailers like Nestlè and Callebaut are on to something. Late last year and earlier this month, cocoa-free and alternative chocolate products were launched in Europe with the hope of success. But what’s the point of taking the most quintessential ingredient out of chocolate? In the past couple of years, the wholesale price of cocoa has been soaring. In 2024, the market saw an astonishing 300% increase, with 2025 not looking much better either. During…

    by
    Read More
    chocolate mousse
    In Chocolate

    Classic chocolate mousse

    Light, airy and deeply indulgent, a classic chocolate mousse is one of those desserts that never goes out of style. With just a handful of ingredients, this timeless favourite delivers rich chocolate flavour and a delicate, cloud-like texture that feels effortlessly elegant. Whether you’re entertaining or simply treating yourself, it’s the perfect make-ahead dessert to indulge in most deliciously. Made this recipe? Tag us @foodandhomesa #cookingwithFH on Instagram Also See: Zesty lemon and pistachio popsicles with gin Italian meringue https://www.foodandhome.co.za/recipes/zesty-lemon-and-pistachio-popsicles-with-gin-italian-meringue

    by
    Read More
    In Lifestyle

    Why do we eat chocolate at Easter? 

    Easter arrives with a certain sweetness. It’s in the air, in the long weekend lunches… and very definitely in the chocolate aisle.   But beyond the foil-wrapped bunnies and pastel eggs lies a story that’s older, richer and a little more unexpected than you’d think.   Let’s unwrap it: It all started with an egg (long before chocolate) Before chocolate stole the spotlight, eggs were the original Easter treat. Across ancient cultures – from the Persians to the Romans – eggs symbolised new life, fertility and fresh beginnings. Think of them as nature’s way of saying: spring has sprung.  When Christianity came along, Easter became a celebration of resurrection and renewal. The egg slipped easily…

    by
    Read More
    In 4 Easter Bakes

    Chocolate Easter sheet cake

    When it comes to baking, this chocolate Easter sheet cake is the kind of low-effort, high-reward situation we all pretend we have under control. Baked in a single tray and finished with a rich, chocolatey icing, it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser for family gatherings, school holidays or that one friend who “doesn’t like sweet things” but somehow eats three slices. Even better, decorating it is half the fun — pile on mini eggs, chocolate bunnies and anything pastel you can find, and suddenly you’ve got a festive centrepiece that looks far more impressive than the effort required. Also See:…

    by
    Read More
    In Chocolate

    Why has my chocolate turned white?

    Ever found a forgotten slab of chocolate, excited at the recipe prospects, only to see that it’s developed a strange sci-fi-like white film? Yeah, me too. Not only is it a bummer, but it also makes you wonder whether it’s safe to eat at all. Here’s how it impacts the taste and safety of that slab. What is it? Although those streaks and patches might look suspicious, they aren’t – and you should not panic, or chuck it. That white patch is what’s called, in the world of chocolatiering, “bloom”. It does not mean the chocolate has gone bad,…

    by
    Read More
    Chocolate cake with shortbread lollipops and fresh strawberries recipe
    In Cake

    Chocolate cake with shortbread lollipops and fresh strawberries

    This cake will win the heart of anyone this Valentines Day!  There’s something undeniably charming about a cake that feels both indulgent and playful. This rich chocolate cake, topped with buttery shortbread lollipops and crowned with fresh strawberries, is the kind of bake that turns any gathering into a celebration. The sponge is deeply chocolatey and wonderfully moist, layered (or generously frosted) with a silky chocolate icing that melts into every crumb. Crisp, golden shortbread rounds – baked on sticks for a whimsical touch – add a delicate crunch and a hint of buttery sweetness that balances the richness of…

    by
    Read More
    In Lifestyle

    Why Valentine’s Day and chocolate are inseperable

    Step into any store in February and you’ll see them: glossy heart-shaped boxes, satin ribbons and rows of neatly lined truffles waiting to be chosen. Valentine’s Day and chocolate feel so naturally paired that it’s hard to imagine one without the other. But this sweet tradition wasn’t always a given. Long before chocolate became a silky truffle or a melt-in-your-mouth slab, it was enjoyed as a bitter drink. In ancient Mesoamerican cultures, cacao was ground and mixed with spices to create a rich, frothy beverage reserved for royalty and ceremony. It was precious, powerful and deeply symbolic – a far…

    by
    Read More
    Chocolate mousse shots
    In Desserts

    Chocolate mousse shots

    Chocolate mousse doesn’t have to be complicated to feel luxurious. These elegant chocolate mousse shots are light, creamy and intensely chocolatey, with a subtle ricotta base and a burst of fresh raspberries on top. Perfect for dinner parties, date nights or when you want a dessert that looks impressive but takes surprisingly little effort. Enjoyed these chocolate mousse shots? Tag us @foodandhomesa #cookingwithFH on Instagram! Also See: Vegan pancakes with fruit and chocolate sauce https://www.foodandhome.co.za/recipes/vegan-pancakes-with-fruit-and-chocolate-sauce Feature image: Are Media

    by
    Read More
    Macadamia and chocolate upside-down cake
    In Cake

    Our best chocolate cake recipes for National Chocolate Cake Day

    Today is National Chocolate Cake Day (it’s a thing celebrated every January 27th around the globe). It’s basically an excuse to stuff our faces with everything from gooey mud cakes to quirky beetroot-infused marvels. To mark the occasion, we’ve rounded up the most decadent, fun and downright delicious chocolate cake recipes from classic crowd-pleasers to inventive twists you’ll want to bake right now. 1. Flourless chocolate cake Gluten-free baking just got easier with this rich and creamy flourless chocolate cake! 2. Easy Vegan Chocolate Cake If you’re looking for a fun Saturday activity, try our super easy vegan chocolate…

    by
    Read More
    In Cooking

    The ultimate guide to baking with chocolate 

    There are few things in life that bring the same comfort as chocolate. From a nostalgic slab broken into squares to the glossy drizzle on a celebration cake, chocolate has an undeniable ability to turn an ordinary moment into something special. It’s one of the most loved ingredients in baking, but it’s also one of the trickiest to work with. The difference between a glossy ganache and a grainy mess often comes down to knowing how to handle it.  Baking with chocolate isn’t just about stirring a handful of chips into cookie dough. The type you choose – dark, milk…

    by
    Read More
    vegan pancakes
    In Breakfast

    Vegan pancakes with fruit and chocolate sauce

    If you’re craving a breakfast (brunch or dessert) that feels a little indulgent but still light and wholesome, these pancakes with fruit and chocolate sauce tick every box. These fluffy vegan pancakes are topped with fresh seasonal fruit and drizzled with a silky, dairy-free chocolate sauce that tastes far richer than it should. Proof that plant-based baking can be just as decadent — if not more so. Enjoyed this recipe? Tag us @foodandhomesa #cookingwithFH on Instagram! Also See: Vegan piña colada pavlova  https://www.foodandhome.co.za/recipes/vegan-pina-colada-pavlova-2 Recipe and styling by Illanique van Aswegen Photograph by Adel Ferreira

    by
    Read More
    White chocolate and ginger baked cheesecake with caramel and golden berries
    In Cake

    White chocolate and ginger baked cheesecake with caramel and golden berries

    An indulgent baked cheesecake that’s a delicious, sweet end to a Christmas meal. To make your life a little easier on the day, set some time aside to bake this cheesecake up to 3 days ahead, and store in the fridge, wrapped in cling film – without removing it from the cake tin. The texture of the cheesecake is silky smooth. This is thanks to baking it in a water bath – which sounds daunting, but really isn’t! You really must wrap the tin twice in heavy-duty foil, though. ALSO SEE: BERRY ETON MESS CHEESECAKE Recipe and styling by Claire…

    by
    Read More
    granadilla fridge tart
    In Desserts

    Granadilla fridge tart with white chocolate ganache

    A South African classic with a modern twist – this granadilla fridge tart with white chocolate ganache is super-delish! Bright, creamy and irresistibly smooth, this granadilla fridge tart is a summer favourite. Fresh granadilla pulp brings a bold, zesty pop that cuts through the richness of the silky white chocolate ganache, creating a dreamy balance of sweet and tangy. Set in a buttery biscuit crust, every chilled slice delivers pure sunshine flavour with a touch of indulgence. Perfect for warm days, weekend gatherings or whenever you’re craving something light yet decadent. Made this granadilla fridge tart with white chocolate ganache?…

    by
    Read More
    chocolate and berry cake
    In Baking

    Super-rich dark chocolate berry cake

    Indulge in pure decadence with this super-rich dark chocolate berry cake — a silky, butter-and-buttermilk sponge layered with velvety dark chocolate ganache, then crowned with juicy fresh berries. It’s the kind of dessert that feels luxurious, but still warm and comforting. Did you make this recipe? Tag us on Instagram @foodandhomesa Also See: Vegan Chocolate Cake Recipe https://www.foodandhome.co.za/recipes/dessert/vegan-chocolate-recipe

    by
    Read More
    Load More