Posts by Linda
Chocolate Fudge Cookies
If you're a fan of those New York-style bakery cookies with crisp edges, gooey centres and plenty of chocolate, these are definitely worth baking. Rich chocolate cookie dough, chunks of creamy chocolate and a soft fudge topping make these wonderfully...
How to Store Chocolate in Warm Weather
With the current warm spell, here’s how to keep your chocolate at its best, even when temperatures rise.
Good news: the sun is here. Slightly complicated news: your chocolate has feelings about that. 🍫☀️
Warmer weather is brilliant for almost everything -...
Milk, White and Dark Chocolate: What’s the Difference?
Ever stood in the chocolate aisle wondering what actually makes milk chocolate different from dark chocolate? Or whether white chocolate even counts as “real” chocolate?
You’re definitely not alone, and I’ll be honest, I didn’t give it much thought myself for...
Cherry Chocolate Matilda cake
Dark Chocolate and a luscious cherry compote. It’s bold, nostalgic, and just a little bit indulgent. Exactly how cake should be. The mayonnaise in this is quite a surprise, as previous recipes I've used call for a buttermilk, which when I decide...
The Cost Behind Our Chocolate Bars
Over the past few months, many of you may have seen headlines about cocoa prices rising, falling and shifting again. Chocolate, it seems, is rarely out of the news.
And understandably, some of you have asked thoughtful questions. If prices ease,...
Vegan Chocolate Chip Shortbread Recipe
Can we be honest? Sometimes you discover something so good in a supermarket bakery that it becomes a bit of an obsession. That's exactly what happened when I first tried the chocolate chip shortbread from the Marks and Spencer bakery section. One bite of that crumbly, buttery perfection studded with chocolate chunks, and I was absolutely smitten.
Twenty Years of Choc Affair – The Chocolate, The People and The Journey In Between
By Linda Barrie, Founder & Chief Taster
This week Choc Affair turned 20. Writing that feels surreal, emotional and incredibly humbling all at once.
When I first began melting chocolate in my kitchen in 2006, I wasn't starting a business plan or...
Why Does Chocolate Make You Happy? The Science Behind It
Ever reached for a piece of chocolate when you're feeling a bit low? You're not alone. For centuries, humans have turned to chocolate as a mood lifter, and now science is finally catching up with what chocolate lovers have always...
Vegan Shepherd’s Pie with a Chocolate Twist
A comforting, plant-based take on a classic, with rich dark chocolate adding depth, warmth and flavour.
Introduction
Looking for a hearty, satisfying plant-based meal that still feels indulgent? This Vegan Shepherd’s Pie with a Chocolate Twist is packed with rich lentils, warming spices and...