Ask women which is their favourite food and most often you will hear chocolate. And don’t try telling me it isn’t a food group. For centuries, chocolate has literally been put on a pedestal and worshipped, not only because it is the food of the Gods but also for some of its other properties. Some would even like to believe it has aphrodisiacal value though there is no concrete research evidence to prove that so far. Chocolate was most likely first used by the Aztecs and then made its way to Europe where it took the continent by storm and then spread to the rest of the world.

Chocolate has two mood enhancing chemicals in its composition- , Phenylethylamine and Seratonin,which also naturally occur in the human brain. Whenever a person is happy or very much in love, the brain releases these chemicals and this creates a sensation of euphoria and well-being….a flush comes to my face and my pulse begins to race…Goodness Gracious Me. Doctors have been known to advise patients who are depressed to consume dark chocolate, to stimulate the same sense of well-being. For some reason, chocolate has more of an effect on the body chemistry of women than of men. One of the most popular ways of showing someone you love them, is by sending them a box of chocolates….or even better, making them something that has chocolate in it.

And so especially for the men, these are some quick, sure-fire recipes which you can turn out in a jiffy. Show your woman the dark, delectable love. Women strapped for time, these are great for kids and for those times when you feel you need a quick mood lift.

175 gms good quality chocolate
2 cups whipping cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Melt chocolate in a double boiler, removing from the heat when the chocolate is nearly finished melting. Keep stirring and the rest of the chocolate will melt. In a large bowl, whip the cream and vanilla with an electric mixer until it is in stiff peaks. Pour the melted chocolate (it should have cooled down somewhat) into the whipped cream and fold to combine. Pour into individual glasses. Chill in refrigerator and serve with a cherry and some whipped cream on top!

1/2 cup Self-raising flour

1/2 cup sugar

2 level tbsp cocoa

Pinch of salt

1/4 cup of melted butter

1/2 cup milk

1 big egg

Teaspoon vanilla extract

Put all the above ingredients into a mixing bowl and beat together with your electric mixer for about 2 minutes. Then pour into a 6 inch prepared cake tin and bake in the oven at 350 degrees for about half an hour or till a skewer comes out clean. For additional calories, go in for some chocolate frosting.

Just could not resist adding this one on, though I only tried it recently. It came to me as a forward and is popularly being termed as the Most Dangerous Cake.

4 tablespoons flour

4 tablespoons sugar

2 tablespoons cocoa

1 egg

3 tablespoons milk

3 tablespoons oil

3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)

a small splash of vanilla extract

1 large coffee mug

Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly. Pour in the milk and oil and mix well. Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla extract, and mix again.

Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes on High. The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed! Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired.

EAT! (This can serve 2 if you want to feel slightly more virtuous). And why is this the most dangerous cake recipe in the world? Because now we are all only 5 minutes away from chocolate cake at any time of the day or night

So go ahead and enjoy yourself. Have a chocolicious day........