Choc-Cherry Slice

At my Pilates studio, they have a selection of magazines to help you pass the time while you are waiting for class.  I always read The Womens Weekly, primarily for the recipes, but also for the amusing columnists.

In the March edition of The Weekly, Julie Goodwin published a recipe for a Choc-Cherry Slice (bar cookies for my US readers).  Being a huge fan of Cherry Ripes, I thought that this slice sounded just like a cherry ripe in slice form, so I memorised the recipe to make at home.

I am so glad I made this slice.  Don't get me wrong - it is very decadent and chocolatey, but for a treat, it is absolutely devine.

To make this slice, you will need:

250g butter
250g dark chocolate
1 3/4 cups sugar
4 eggs
1 cup chopped glace cherries
1 cup shredded coconut
1 cup plain flour
1 cup cocoa

Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius.  Grease and line a 19cm x 30cm slice pan.

Melt the butter and chocolate together over a saucepan of simmering water.

Beat the eggs in a stand mixer until thick and pale.  Add the sugar to the eggs gradually, beating until the mixture forms ribbons.  Fold in the chocolate mixture, then the cherries and the coconut.

Fold in the flour and cocoa.

Pour the mixture into the prepared slice pan, and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until cooked through.

Allow to cool in the tin then cut into bars.

Enjoy!