Book review: 50 Shades of Chocolate by Claire Preen

AUTHOR and chocolatier Claire Preen promises 63 of the sexiest chocolate recipes ever in her book 50 Shades of Chocolate.

Besides being luscious, rich and totally delicious, chocolate is well known as one of the most potent aphrodisiacs.

Tasting exquisite chocolates in Europe with her father when she was a child ignited Claire's passion for chocolate.

She trained with a top chocolatier in Belgium and brought her wonderful creations to Australia.

50 Shades of Chocolate is no ordinary recipe book.

The sensual chocolate concoctions are complemented by naughty and nice ideas on how you can use chocolate.

Edible chocolate massage oil, anyone?

Listed under aphrodisiacs are recipes for Strawberry Seduction and Spicy Nights and there are also savoury chocolate recipes for juicy duck breasts with chocolate and ginger.

How about a B52 love snack, mint chocolate sexy pots or an indulgent chocolate bath?

Try these recipes, then buy the book and enjoy the sensuous photography while choosing the recipe that tickles your fancy.

Cocoa and chilli pork chops

4 large pork chops

Meat rub:

2 tbsp cinnamon

2 tbsp sea salt

2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

1 tsp allspice

1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1/2 tsp ground coriander

1/2 tsp Mexican ground chilli

Mix all meat rub ingredients together.

Rub into pork chops.

Grill pork chops under a hot grill until cooked to your liking.

Serve with a green mango, chilli and apple relish.

Roasted strawberries with chocolate balsamic vinegar

2 large punnets of strawberries

1/4 cup chocolate balsamic vinegar

1/2 tsp sugar

a bucket load of imagination

Top strawberries and halve.

Place in a dish and pour over balsmic vinegar. Sprinkle with sugar.

Bake in oven for 20 minutes at 180deg C

Serve. These can be used to top a pavlova or with ice cream.

Claire says: chocolate is cheaper than therapy and you don't need an appointment.