Chocolate, Sea Salt and Shortbread Squares

When I bake, I usually make a big deal out of it, with the ingredients list going on forever. But at times that task can be a little much, especially if you are in a hurry to whip up something homemade and need a sweet treat fast! At Christmas my friend Pat brought round a fridge load of superb homemade sweets and nibbles in preparation for the mass gathering we were having over the festive period. Among the delights were Pats Chocolate Squares. And I fell in love with them! They are very quick and easy to make with a no bake no fuss attitude. All Ive changed to her original recipe is the addition of sea salt for added depth and balance between the rich chocolate and crunchy shortbread.

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225g unsalted butter

3 tbsp golden syrup

50g cocoa, sieved

300g shortbread

100g fair trade dark or milk chocolate

a pinch of sea salt

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In a pan, gently melt the butter, golden syrup and sieved cocoa powder. Meanwhile, break the chocolate into small pieces and melt over a bain marie and add a pinch of sea salt.

Take the butter mixture off the heat and crush the shortbread into the mixture and stir.

In a lined square baking tin (18-20cm) pour in the mixture and spread out evenly. Next pour the melted chocolate on top of the mixture and refrigerate for an hour.

Cut into small squares and serve.