Foodies Read: The Chocolate Apothecary by Josephine Moon - Chocolate Balsamic Glaze

I read this book whilst on holiday. It is set in both Tasmania and France and follows the story of Christmas Livingstone as she breaks her rules and falls in love.

One of the meals that Christmas makes to take to her sister's house is BLT sandwiches with a chocolate balsamic glaze, as I had all the ingredients in the cupboard I knew I had to try this out. I found a recipe in The Telegraph newspaper that usually goes with ribs and I made enough so that I can try it with ribs in the near future. It was sticky and sweet and lovely with the bacon.

Chocolate Balsamic Glaze (from The Telegraph)
(Serves 6)

40ml balsamic vinegar
70g honey
35g brown sugar
20ml light soy sauce
1 sprig rosemary
2 cloves garlic, crushed
50g dark chocolate

Blend or whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, sugar and soy sauce until the sugar has dissolved. Put the liquid into a bowl with the rosemary and garlic. Cover and leave at room temperature for one hour or in the fridge overnight.

Pour the mixture into a pan and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook on a low heat for about 10 mins until it has a honey-like consistency. Add the chocolate and stir to melt. Pass through a fine sieve and leave to cool.

When it is cool test the thickness – it should have the consistency of single cream; if it is too thick, add a little warm water.