Dark Chocolate Paté

Yield: enough for 2 to share

Ingredients

• 8 oz of the very best 70% dark chocolate, chopped
• 1 cup 35% whipping cream
• 1 vanilla bean, seeds scraped or 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract or 1 Tablespoon of Grand Marnier

Method

1. Gently heat the cream and vanilla seeds and vanilla pod in a small saucepan.
2. When the mixture simmers, turn off the heat and add the chopped chocolate.
3. Stir with a wooden spoon until the chocolate has completely melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy.
4. Should the mixture begin to separate, to appear curdled, simply stir in a spoonful or two of cold cream and continue gently stirring until the mixture smoothes out again.
5. Pour into a small festive serving bowl and refrigerate until set.
6. Serve with graham crackers, biscotti or fruit.