After Dinner Mints

Chocolate is always high on the agenda, and with these simple dinner mints, it's easy to satisfy the cravings. These little gems are also a great make ahead dessert for guests or can easily be bundled into a hostess gift.

dark 70% chocolate (200 g)
1 large free-range egg white
confectioners' sugar (220 g)
1 tsp. pure peppermint essence
few drops green food colouring, if desired

Grease and line a 18x28 cm shallow tray with baking paper.

Melt half the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pan of gently simmering water (don't allow the water to touch the bowl). Pour into the tray, shake until evenly spread, then put in the fridge to harden.

Meanwhile, make the fondant. Put the egg white in a clean bowl and gently stir with a fork to break up. Sift the confectioners' sugar into a bowl, then add half to the egg white. Stir with a wooden spoon until mixed.

Add the peppermint essence, stir well, then beat in the rest of the confectioners' sugar to make a smooth, thick, spreadable paste. Add a few drops of green food colouring until it becomes the palest green colour.

Once the chocolate has hardened, spread a thin (about 2 mm) layer of the peppermint cream fondant over it using a palette knife, then put back in the fridge for 30 minutes to 1 hour until set.

Once the peppermint cream has set, melt the rest of the dark chocolate over simmering water. Let it cool slightly, then spread another layer of dark chocolate over the set peppermint cream, tipping the tray in all directions so the chocolate evens out over the surface. Leave in the fridge to set.

Once set, remove from the tray and transfer to a plate or board. Serve at the table so your guests can break it apart and eat with a postprandial tea or coffee.

Makes 4 dozen.