Hedgehog Slices

INGREDIENTS

2 1/4 packets of Marie biscuits or similar plain sweet biscuits
1 cup walnuts
300g butter
3/4 cocoa
1 1/4 cups Castor sugar
3 eggs

CHOCOLATE COATING

300g dark chocolate buttons
65ml vegetable oil

METHOD

1.Coarsely crush the biscuits with the nuts in a large plastic bowl. (the aim is to see pieces of biscuits and walnut when you cut the slice).
2. Melt the butter and add cocoa and sugar. Stir well on a low heat until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and cool.
3. Beat eggs into the chocolate mix and add nuts and biscuits. Press the mixture into a 2 centimetre deep baking tray lined with plastic wrap. Cover with more wrap and refrigerate for about an hour.
4. To make the chocolate coating, melt the oil and chocolate buttons in the microwave, or gently on the stove, and spread coating over the hedgehog.
5. Refrigerate for another 30 minutes, then turn on to a chopping board and cut into pieces.

Marbled Brownies

GIVE IT A SWIRL!

INGREDIENTS

200g dark eating chocolate
200g unsalted butter
250g caster sugar
3 eggs, at room temperature
3/4 cup (110g) plain flour

CREAM CHEESE MIX
400g cream cheese, at room temperature
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup (110g) caster sugar
2 eggs, at room temperature

METHOD
1. Preheat oven to 180C. Grease and line a 20cm x 30cm slice pan with baking paper. allowing it to overhang at long sides for handles.
2. To make cream cheese mix, using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese, vanilla, sugar and eggs in a large bowl, until smooth and creamy.
3. Place chocolate and butter in a medium heatproof bowl set over a medium saucepan of simmering water, ensuring base of bowl does not touch water. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 3-4 mins, until melted and combined. Remove bowl from pan. Cool slightly.
4. Using an electric mixer, beat sugar and eggs in a large bowl until thick and creamy. Add cooled chocolate mixture and stir until combined. Sift flour over chocolate mixture and fold until just combined.
5. Pour three-quarters of chocolate mixture into prepared pan and smooth surface. Top with cream cheese mixture. Dollop over remaining chocolate mixture, then tap base of pan on a flat surface to settle mixture. Using a skewer, swirl mixtures together to create a marbled effect. Bake for 35-45 minutes, until just set at centre. Cool completely in pan ( brownie will firm). Cut into squares to serve.