Christmas Tree

This is the only tree you’ll want to be decorating this Christmas! Not only does it look great, you get to eat it too!

Serves:20
Ease of preparation: Easy
Preparation time: 20 mins
Cooling time: 1 hour to set

Ingredients:

• 300g Dark Chocolate for Cooking
• 250g Cookie pieces
• Icing Sugar to decorate

Method:

1. Start by drawing cross templates onto greaseproof paper. You will need one in each of the following sizes 16cm, 13cm, 10cm, 7cm and 4cm. Use a pen dark enough so you’ll be able to see the templates when the paper is turned over, this avoids getting ink on the chocolate. You will also need to make one 19cm but make this directly onto the surface you are going to present the tree on, e.g. a plate or cake board.
   
   
2. In a microwave safe bowl melt the chocolate on high until melted, this will take approximately 1 - 2 minutes.
   
   
3. Mix through the cookie pieces.
   
   
4. Leave the mix to cool slightly, long enough for the chocolate to hold its shape and not spread when spoonfuls are placed on the paper.
   
   
5. The mixture needs to be kept warm over a bowl of simmering water while the branches are being made as this will prevent the mixture setting before you’re finished.
   
   
6. Spoon the chocolate a little at a time along the crosses to form the branches of the tree.
   
   
7. Once set, place an extra spoonful of chocolate in the centre of each cross, this will help give the tree height and form the trunk when assembled.
   
   
8. When you are sure the branches are set, again place a spoonful of chocolate in the centre of the branch beginning with the base 19cm cross. Continue with all the crosses until the tree is complete.
   
   
9. Leave the tree to set and dust with icing sugar just before serving.

Equipment:

• Ruler
• Pencil
• Greaseproof Paper
• Plate/Cake Board
• Microwave Safe Bowl
• Mixing Spoon