Choco balls

110g/4oz dark chocolate (or milk chocolate for a sweeter version)

25g/1oz unsalted butter

50g/2oz caster sugar

1 egg

1 tbsp vanilla essence

100g/3½ oz plain flour

¼ tsp baking powder

3-4 tbsp icing sugar

Directions

Step 1

Put the chocolate and butter in a bowl over a pan of simmering water and leave to melt, stirring occasionally.

Step 2

Beat the egg together with the caster sugar for approx 2 mins until thick and fluffy. Stir in vanilla essence and the melted chocolate.

Step 3

Sift in the flour together with the baking powder and stir until smooth.

Step 4

Refrigerate for a few hours until the mixture is firm enough to shape into balls.

Step 5

Shape the mixture into small bowls, about 1 inch in diameter.

Step 6

Sift the icing sugar into a shallow bowl and roll the balls in it until they are completely coated.

Step 7

Preheat the oven to 190°C/fan 170°C, arrange the balls on a baking tray lined with a baking paper and bake for approx 10 mins.