V-Day: Follow these unique chocolate dish recipes to surprise your partner

As always the season of love is here and people are getting ready to celebrate Valentines Day on February 14 While many will be looking to indulge n lavish treats and even getaways others will look to spend time at home with their partners or loved ones tooOver the decades if there is one aspect of the festival that has been embraced wholeheartedly it is the celebration of chocolate While chocolate is usually used in desserts Indian chefs say there are many other dishes that can be made They say you can not only add chocolate to a martini but also other dishes like a fondue or even a cold brewHere are some easy chocolate dish recipes to get you started this weekendSpicy Chocolate MartiniSpice up this Valentines Day by making a delicious cocktail says Ajay Dwivedi FampB Manager at ITC Grand Goa Dwivedi says you can easily make a Spicy Chocolate Martini for you and your partner or simply celebrate with your loved ones while sipping on it during your mealIngredientsVodka 60 mlChocolate liqueur such as Godiva 30 mlCreme de cacao 30 mlHeavy cream 15 mlChili powder 12 tspIceChocolate shavings or cocoa powder for garnishOptional chocolate syrup for rimming the glassMethod1 Prepare the glass Optional Rim a martini glass with chocolate syrup and set aside2 Mix the cocktail In a cocktail shaker combine vodka chocolate liqueur creme de cacao heavy cream and chili powder Add ice to the shaker3 Shake and strain Shake vigorously until well chilled Strain into the prepared martini glass4 Garnish Sprinkle with chocolate shavings or a light dusting of cocoa powderChocolate fondueIf there is one classic dish that people can make on Valentines Day it is Chocolate Fondue according to excutive chef Arun Kala at Radisson Blu Plaza in Karjat He says Strawberry and dark chocolate are a classic combination of an aphrodisiac So spice up this Valentines Day with the chocolate fondueIngredients5037 dark chocolate 1 cupCooking cream 1 cup eachStrawberries as per requirementHoneydew melon cubes as per requirementPhysalis as per requirementCheeses as per requirementMethod1 Take equal quantities of the dark chocolate and cooking cream and gently microwave for one minute and mixing in between until mixture turns glossy Dont overheat2 Now keep this sauce on a fondue pot with a candle beneath3 Dip the fruits like strawberries honeydew melon and physalis in sauce with a bamboo stick and enjoy the treatChilli Mango Dark ChocolateShubhankar Chitrakar from the Bakery of Taj Holiday Village Resort amp Spa in Goa says you can indulge in some delicious goodness with your partner by making a Chilli Mango Dark Chocolate which is a spicy dried mango infused into intense dark chocolate Chitrakar even shares a tip saying For a sweeter version drizzle with a little honey before setting For extra crunch add chopped almonds or toasted coconut flakes If you wish for a smoky flavor Use smoked paprika instead of cayenneIngredientsDark chocolate 7037 cacao or higher 200 gmDried mango chopped into small pieces 12 cupChilli powder adjust to taste 12 tspCayenne pepper optional for extra heat 14 tspSea salt flaky preferred 12 tsp Cinnamon optional adds warmth 14 tspCoconut oil for a smoother melt 12 tspMethod1 Chop the dried mango into small pieces Line a baking sheet with parchment paper2 Melt the dark chocolate using the double burnerPlace a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water ensuring the bottom of the bowl doesnrsquot touch the water or use a microwave heating in 20 seconds intervals stirring in between until it melts fully3 Stir in the coconut oil for a smooth texture4 Mix in the chili powder cayenne if using and cinnamon Stir well Add the chopped dried mango to the melted chocolate and mix gently5 Shape the chocolate as you desire Spoon small dollops onto the prepared baking sheet or spread the mixture evenly into a thin layer to make a bark6 Sprinkle sea salt on top Let it cool at room temperature for 10 minutes then transfer to the fridge for about 30 minutes or until fully setBlack Garlic amp Sea Salt ChocolateAt Continental Kitchen in Vivanta Goa Panaji Chef Vinamr Manocha says you can make the Black Garlic amp Sea Salt Chocolate which has has sweet umami notes of black garlic with a touch of sea salt He explains This Black Garlic amp Sea Salt Dark Chocolate combines the deep umami richness of black garlic with the bittersweet intensity of dark chocolate and a touch of sea salt The result is a gourmet chocolate experience thats both unique and indulgent Complex amp Umami The black garlic brings a deep molasseslike richness The sea salt enhances the bittersweet notes of the chocolate Pair with a glass of red wine aged cheese or espresso for an elevated tasting experienceIngredientsDark chocolate 7037 cacao or higher 200 gmBlack garlic mashed into a smooth paste 2 clovesSea salt flakes or to taste 12 tspVanilla extract optional enhances depth 12 tspCoconut oil for smoother melting 12 tspCinnamon or smoked paprika optional adds warmth 14 tspChopped nuts or cacao nibs optional for crunch 1 tbspMethod1 Mash the black garlic cloves into a smooth paste using a fork or small food processor If its too sticky add a few drops of warm water to help smooth it out2 Melt the dark chocolate Place a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water stirring occasionally until melted Stir in the coconut oil for a silkier texture3 Add the mashed black garlic into the melted chocolate and stir thoroughly until fully blended Mix in the vanilla extract and optional spices if using4 Shape the chocolate as you desire Sprinkle the sea salt flakes and optional chopped nuts or cacao nibs on top Allow to cool at room temperature for 10 minutes then transfer to the fridge for 30 minutes until fully setSalted Caramel Cold BrewWhile indulging is chocolate is always a good option chef Anurag Bainola who is the executive chef of La Estoria Candolim IHCL SeleQtions in Goa says you can make a delicious Salted Caramel Cold Brew He explains It is a smooth coffee with a perfect balance of sweet and salty It is the perfect balance of smooth coffee rich caramel and a hint of sea salt Itrsquos creamy refreshing and easy to make If you want it a little sweeter add extra caramel or a little maple syrup If you wish your drink a bit stronger use coffee ice cubes to prevent dilution If lactose intolerant swap heavy cream for coconut cream or oat milk And if you desire it with extra frothy blend with milk for a creamy textureIngredientsCold Brew CoffeeCup coarse ground coffeeCold water 4 cupsIce cubes for servingSalted Caramel SyrupBrown sugar or coconut sugar 14 cupWater 2 tbspHeavy cream or coconut cream for dairyfree 2 tbspVanilla extract 12 tspSea salt flaky salt for best flavour 14 tspOptional toppingsMilk or cream dairy or nondairy 14 cupWhipped cream optional for extra indulgenceExtra caramel drizzleMethod1 Make the cold brew 1224 hours ahead Add coarse ground coffee and cold water to a jar or pitcher Stir cover and let steep in the fridge for 1224 hours Strain through a finemesh sieve or coffee filter into a clean container2 Make the salted caramel syrup In a small saucepan over medium heat combine brown sugar and water Stir until dissolved Simmer for 23 minutes until slightly thickened Remove from heat and whisk in cream vanilla and sea salt Set aside to cool3 Assemble the drink Fill a glass with ice cubes Pour in cold brew coffee about 34 full Add 23 tbsp salted caramel syrup adjust to taste Stir in milk or cream if using4 Add the finishing touch Drizzle extra caramel on top Top with whipped cream for a coffeeshop feel