Yemi Adelekan is a food writer and blogger who was a semi-finalist in the 2022 series of BBC TV’s Masterchef competition.

Every Saturday Yemi writes on the Stray Ferret about her love of the area’s food and shares cooking tips – please get in touch with her if you want her to review a restaurant, visit your farm, taste the produce you sell or even share a recipe.

July 7 is World Chocolate Day, a day dedicated to one of the world's most beloved treats. 

Whether you're a casual nibbler or a dedicated chocoholic, today is the perfect excuse to dive into the rich, velvety world of chocolate. 

From its fascinating history to its role in a balanced diet, let's talk all things chocolate and tempt your taste buds with a couple of simple yummy recipes.

Did you know that chocolate has been around for over 3,000 years? The ancient Mesoamericans were the first to discover the joys of the cacao plant, which they used to create a bitter, frothy drink often mixed with spices. 

Fast forward to the 16th century, chocolate made its way to Europe, where sugar was added to create the sweet confection we adore today.

Even though I enjoyed chocolate bars as a young girl, I never connected them to my grandfather who was a cocoa farmer. I saw the hard work that went into the process from planting to sales of the beans, but it was only as I got older that it clicked that my grandfather was at the start of the chain.

Unusual flavour pairings

While classic pairings with nuts or berries are always a hit, why not try something a bit more adventurous? 

Here are a few unusual combinations that might surprise you:

Chocolate and blue cheese: the sharpness of blue cheese pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of chocolate, creating a complex flavour profile.

Chocolate and chilli: the heat from chilli enhances the rich, deep flavours of dark chocolate, adding an exciting kick.

Chocolate and olive oil: drizzling high-quality olive oil over dark chocolate enhances its smoothness and adds a subtle, fruity note.

Yemi's top tip: You can also try pairing chocolate with saffron, bay leaves, curry and cardamom.

Ethical purchasing of chocolate

As you indulge in your chocolate treats, remember the importance of ethical purchasing. 

Many cocoa farmers work under challenging conditions, and by choosing Fair Trade or ethically sourced chocolate, you can support sustainable practices and fair wages. 

Look for certifications such as Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance, or UTZ on your chocolate packaging.

Chocolate avocado mousse

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe avocados.
  
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder.
  
• 1/4 cup honey.
  
• 1/4 cup almond or coconut milk.
  
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
  
• A pinch of sea salt
  

Method:

• Scoop the avocado flesh into a blender.
  
• Add the cocoa powder, honey, almond milk, vanilla extract, and sea salt.
  
• Blend until smooth and creamy.
  
• Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
  
• Enjoy with a sprinkle of cacao nibs or fresh berries.
  

Spicy dark chocolate bark

Ingredients:

• 200g dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher).
  
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper.
  
• 1/4 cup chopped pistachios.
  
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries.
  
• A pinch of sea salt.
  

Method:

• Melt the dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water.
  
• Stir in the cayenne pepper.
  
• Pour the melted chocolate onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and spread it evenly.
  
• Sprinkle the chopped roasted pistachios, dried cranberries, and sea salt over the chocolate.
  
• Let it cool at room temperature until set, then break into pieces.
  

Yemi's verdict

So, this World Chocolate Day, savour each bite, try out new recipes, and consider the impact of your chocolate choices.

Happy indulging! Feel free to share any simple recipes that allow you guilt-free indulgence.