Chocolate Salami

This Italian-inspired chocolate salami is certainly different, although the rich chocolate, amaretti and nuts combined with the sweet bursts of cranberry mean it is undoubtedly Christmassy. This makes a sophisticated alternative to a chocolate yule log or a currant/raisin-free Christmas cake replacement. As quite an eye-catching and unique dish, it would also make a good centre-piece for any party held over the festive period. This recipe is an adaptation of Nigella Lawson's 'Chocolate Salame', but feel free to personalise it with your own preferred combination of fruit and nuts. Delicious served with a cup of tea or glass of something stronger, chocolate salami is a Christmas indulgence with a difference. Ensure you make it the day before to make sure it is nicely firmed up.

For 20 generous slices you will need...

250g dark chocolate

250g crunchy amaretti biscuits

100g soft butter

150g caster sugar

3 large eggs

2 tbsp amaretto liqueur

2 tbsp cocoa powder

75g whole blanched almonds (roughly chopped)

75g dried cranberries (roughly chopped)

50g whole shelled pistachio nuts (roughly chopped)

Icing sugar to decorate

You Will Need To...

- Melt the chocolate in a bowl over simmering water then set aside to cool. Place the biscuits into a bag and bash them with a rolling pin until they resemble rubble.

- Cream the butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and soft, then beat in the eggs one by one. Stir in the amaretto liqueur. 

- Sift the cocoa powder into the cooled melted chocolate, stir until combined then add this mixture to the egg mixture. When you have a smooth chocolatey mixture fold in the crushed biscuits, chopped nuts and cranberries.

- Put this mixture in the fridge to firm up for about half an hour. 

 - Place 2 large, overlapping pieces of clingfilm on your work surface, and tip the chilled mixture onto this. Mould it into a long log about 30cm long - this can be quite messy - you have been warned!

 - Cover the log with the clingfilm and roll it until it is a smooth round cylinder. Twist the ends by holding both ends and rolling the log towards you.

- Place the log in the fridge to chill overnight - this will ensure it is firm and slices well.

- Once it is set, sprinkle icing sugar onto a large piece of greaseproof paper and roll the log into it. This makes it look like an authentic salami. To add more authenticity, use some string to tie it up (see pics).

- Serve cold in generous slices.

Enjoy! C x